My inference machine is the only drive I leave unencrypted, but that's because it has the models on it, llama.cpp, and nothing else, and I want it back up and running services after a power-failure. My other desktops are encrypted to make hard drive disposal easy.

I have one safety concept for everything and not random ones for random devices.

Every machine is encrypted, unlocked per login.

Encryption is basically free so.

Simple hypothetical: "A disaster hits and the workstation owner is unable to return to the location the workstation is stored. During that time period the workstation is stolen by a gang of looters."

Burglars are a thing.