I also don't think it's too unreasonable to use a C3 as an MCU in settings where a radio isn't required. The IC itself (aka not the wroom module etc) isn't that much more expensive than equivalently specced MCUs without a radio, and if you're already more familiar with developing for the ESP software ecosystem it might well be worth the few pennies extra. The ESP32-C3FH4X (so the IC with 4MB onboard flash, super easy to integrate into in a design) only costs $1.6 per unit on LCSC for 100 units (and mouser etc is similar).