Or just connect the thermostat to the Internet, but not to the HVAC unit, then use a different ‘stat for the actual control.

I think the remote sensors are good for certain situations, like if a thermostat is mounted in an area (kitchen or near a window) that doesn’t reflect the true temperature of the rest of the home.

It might make sense to have it in a certain place to maximize ease of access (or because the home was built that way with the wiring), but that doesn’t make putting the sensor there a good idea.