There’s an option for a tented middle layer but it’s definitely a little jank. https://docs.keeb.io/tenting-bolts-setup

I’m a fan of the keebio Iris keyboard. They have a prebuilt version and you can disconnect the right side.

I use a Belkin RT3200 (same hardware as Linksys E8450). They go for pretty cheap on ebay and I have no complaints.

I do the same. I have Debian with KDE and Kodi autostart on boot. Use Kodi most of the time but can tab out if needed.

There’s a lot of used mini PCs from Dell, HP, Lenovo that go for cheap on ebay. Those are a good alternative.