I agree with most of these, but the Rain Design laptop stand sucks. Why is it static when it can easily adjust based on various people's heights and use cases. This was a much better buy (I compared it to the Rain Design one side by side): https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-EPN-Heat-Vent-Aluminum-Com...
As far as a second monitor is concerned, in the Apple universe you're better off buying an iPad and using that as a second monitor.
The mStand is definitely not adjustable, but it's also very robust/firm/rigid/solid. There's no question it will go the distance from a quality perspective, should last a lifetime. The rubber pads also seem like they'll go the distance too. I trust Rain Design because they don't skimp on the heft of the aluminum they use or the means they mount the rubber pads. I've bought some cheap competitor ones in the past, their lightweight bodies tend to tip over easily and their adhesive fails over time. Rain Design is what we used at Apple, and I use it at my current job too.
- a lapdesk, to rest the laptop directly or an external keyboard for stability
- https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ2R2LL/A/magic-trackpad-..., best when paired with an external keyboard to gain distance to the macbook.
- https://www.raindesigninc.com/mstand.html, to elevate the laptop for more comfortable viewing
- https://www.goalzero.com/shop/portable-power/goal-zero-yeti-..., to work on the road anywhere, 60W USB-C -> C cable can run a macbook all day and some.
- https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/viewsonic-vg1655, get that portable second monitor experience.