With the board out, we're going straight for the RAM. Apple has trapped it in a heavy metal cage—almost as if they don't fully trust modular RAM to behave itself.

Twirl away four Torx screws, and the cage slides right off. Has RAM replacement ever been easier?

Sure it has—but, the return to standard SO-DIMM RAM after the bitter disappointment of the 2014 mini's soldered-down chips is a huge win. Upgrade now, or upgrade later—you have a choice again.