You can do anything with python. Just like you can do anything with C/C++. It’s a matter of time and knowledge. MATLAB + Simulink beats python hands down, that’s why it’s so widely used for controls. Why waste time and money to customize python to do everything.
You can walk anywhere…but I bet you don’t only use that mode of transport (i.e. you bicycle, drive a car, ride the bus/subway, fly, etc.)
I’m mildly aligned with your main point OP. Rpi’s have a place and are amazing at many things, but over sold on lots of ‘server’ usages. For the typical homelabber, it’s a hobby so not a big deal that this hardware they likely already have (Rpi) isn’t the best.
However, this point about energy usage means you have either a large energy bill and can’t see the margin increase OR those 11 systems are mostly idle and you simply don’t need all of them running.
Try adding a HDMI dummy plug. Older Intel NUC’s (8th gen and earlier) have an issue that’s fixed (but always seems to come back…) where they don’t like functioning headlessly (without a display connected.)
Edit: Also, make sure your BIOS is uptodate.