The Mini has a much smaller battery. So for simplicity’s sake, if you use both for the same workload, the Mini will need to be charged more often to last as long as the Pro. More charging=more wear

Yup as a phone tech I’ve experienced so many scam attempts. Many phones that are scammed off people go to Florida. Maybe shipped maybe torn down, along with phishing attempts to remove iC locks to have a full value device.

Apple tried to make stealing devices not a good idea, but with devices worth so much, the parts definitely are worth it. Most definitely a trafficking ring for Apple devices

This video illustrates the things going on perfectly. Le Video

That phone is worth a few hunned depending on the physical condition, same for the MacBook. China is tech parts central.