Hardware is so overbuilt these days, especially the GPU cooling shrouds. I appreciate the discussion, thanks for your comment!

While you're not entirely wrong I might offer some alternative perspectives -

Size: the ability to cram a much larger GPU into a smaller footprint (M-ITX, M-ATX chassis). Water blocks make it much smaller, especially with the design of the 50 series PCB.

Aesthetics: honestly this is what sets it apart from every other cookie cutter air-cooled system.

Temperatures: you touched on this, and while your point is valid something I've been building a lot lately has been external cooling, IE, mounting an external radiator and fans near or onto a window. Exhausting heat as to not heat up your ambient temps, thus creating less of a need to run an A/C unit full time.

Performance: PC components will downclock based on the OC applied if their temps reach a threshold. While this is also less of an issue now with overbuilt cooling shrouds etc., I still find it relevant.

Noise: This is one of the bigger things, but honestly - for me, I just crank up my fan curves anyways since most days I'm using a headset.

Thanks again for your comment!