"Native" vs. "Hub" USB connections, mics, StreamDeck, etc

I had an issue with a similar experience earlier this week.
https://talk.macpowerusers.com/t/advice-on-macos-updates/32853/7

tl;dr: Finder issues, mac issues, sluggishness. Culprit - 2 external passport drives (Time Machine External and Carbon Copy External Drives) once disconnected from the Anker USB-A hub everything worked back to normal.

I am on a Mac Mini and not enough ports and trying to avoid this situation again.

Mac Mini Port Usage

  • USB-A - to an Anker 10 Port Hub
  • USB-A - lightning wire for connecting/charging BT keyboard/mouse
  • HDMI - 2nd monitor
  • USB-C - 1st monitor
  • USB-C - available

Anker Port Usage (all USB-A)

  • Time Machine Backup
  • Carbon Copy
  • Stream Deck
  • Scarlett Interface
  • SD Card Reader
  • Elgato Cam Link 4K

I still need to actually buy a webcam (maybe Elgato) another port will be taken…
Not enough native ports and clearly hubs may cause a problem, what to do?