> since most people are likely not buying the keyboard form factor as a headless device

A big part of the aim was simply to provide a nearly-all-in-one device for educational computing.

Physical computing is part of the school curriculum in the UK, mainly starting in Key Stage 2 (7-11 year olds, though there's some in Key Stage 1, as well).

This device exists in a very particular market space where for example the CrowPi laptops sell quite well. But it has been made by team of people who are influenced by the BBC Model B and the profound impact it had.