So that means it can run with 4GB. Is there a way to block it from using more?

If you have unused ram, why would you want an app not to use it?

Yes, but not one app to use all of it.

You could try to use cgroups to accomplish that.

Now wouldn't that be the dream.

Run it in a VM.

These chromebooks won’t run chrome, they’ll meander it.

I wouldn't even call it meandering.

Know that scene from one episode of Aqua Teen Hunger Force where George Lowe (RIP) is a police officer and has his feet amputated, so he drags himself while pursuing a suspect?

Yeah. It does that.

Hmm, that hasn't been my experience. My Mediatek 4gb Chromebook is surprisingly snappy (and gets incredible battery life, better than my Macbook that cost 10x as much). Starts to slow down a bit if I go over a dozen tabs while having a video playing but otherwise, it's solid.

I can even use VS Code remote on it in a pinch, though that's pushing it...