>A pile of jumperwires, breadboards and devices don't make a good hero image

I strongly disagree! Hardware people love seeing that sort of thing - the more guts you show, the better. It means you've gotten something to work and probably know what you're talking about. Take pride in what you have accomplished so far! Ideas and concepts are a dime a dozen; working hardware is a worthy milestone.

Note taken!

Will add a new "cleaned up" photo that isn't also entangled with kids stuff, and other desk content :D

Sadly, it really looks atrocious and it's currently a 3D build which is hard to photograph.