I'm curious how many people would prefer a more durable/thinkpad-like framework laptop. I get they're trying to go for the more popular/mainstream light/thin/pretty design but man I still like using my T530 over my FW13. I've seen posts like "set my bag down a little too fast and bent/had to replace my hinge" and whatever. i still think the Framework is the best laptop currently being made and would still recommend it and do recommend it to my friends. Obviously some people like the weight and see it as worth the trade-off. but dang i wish there were a beefier one, I dont think we're going to see "framework on the international space station" posts at this rate.
I’m actually surprised custom cases aren’t already a thing.
Manufacturing a laptop case is not cheap despite the simple appearance, especially if limited run. Alt case for Framework would likely be non-factory machinig affair. And that shit is very expensive. Probably cheaper if done in PRC but still. I think that's why noone has done it.
In addition to the physical design which would take number of prototypes to fit the rest of it correctly, you'd need to redesign EMI shielding and RF if metal case so radios function well.