How often do you use IPMI on a server? I have a regular desktop running Proxmox, and I haven't had to plug in a monitor since I first installed it like 2 years ago

On every boot. Root partition encryption keys are stored externally. Also, the Linux kernel will panic on these small machines regularly.

A JetKVM, NanoKVM, or the like is useful if you want to add on some capability.

Great idea. They are 1/6th the cost of the server, though.

I haven't even thought about my NAS in years. No idea what you're talking about.