installing existing setup to new computer

One Size does Not fit All 

If the new computer is going to be the Apple Silicon M1 / M2 Equipped Computer - would suggest Only Migrating the User Account and nothing more.

Whatever is in your Home Folder ( User Account ) would be migrated to the new computer

Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support (CA)

1 - Some have had success.

2 - Others have been left with a mess when Migrating everything.

Which appear what the user wants to avoid 👍

1 - Apple Silicon with Ventura macOS 13 Only Support everything 64 bit and there is no workaround.

2 - Issues that may exist on the older computer will be migrated to the New Computer. This would badly pollute the new Original and Pristine installation of the new OS.

3 -  Applications, extensions and Software Drivers may or may not even work on the new computer.

4 - IMHO - it would be best to only install new application etc Directly from the Developer or the Apple Apps Store.

5 - Due Diligence on New Applications and make sure they are Ventura / Monterey / Big Sur compatible and factor in the ARMs CPU of the Apple Silicon Computer  

Let me start with your second question first

• The newer MBA M2 comes with a 13.6-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology;1 2560-by-1664 native resolution at 224 pixels per inch with support for 1 billion colors
• 500 nits brightness
• Wide color (P3)
• True Tone technology

So right here, it will be way better

Then, there is the Newest MBA M2 just announced MacBook Air (15.3 -inch, M2, 2023) available for pre-purchase before before it begins to be shipped

So right here, it will be even better ?

As it is yet to be shipped that is unknown

EricWeir wrote:

Well, guess my concern wasn’t so ridiculous after all.

Not at all.

Prudent before hand is better than sorting things out afterwards

And thank you very much for the recommendations. I think I understand but want to double check. And have one additional question.

You say only migrate the user account. But some have had success. Others have been left with a mess. Should I take it that can be the case even if you only migrate the user account?

No doubt you may have experienced on a Brand New Computer and on very First Boot Up - usually there will be the Setup Assist presented.

It may be better to use Setup Asset on the Very First Boot Up to avoid potential User Account issues if going the Migration Asset route

Setup Assist will allow you to migrate your User Account from the most Recent TM Backup This is a One Shot deal

Using Migrating Assist after you have already Created the User Account on the New Machine could be problematic.

In that, if the Migration Asset from Old to New machine and the Old User Account is Different than the New Account - now there would be Two Accounts on this computer

Also, issues that exist on the older computer may be migrated to the new computer and badly pollute it. Again, even if migrating only the user account.

No

Finally, best to install new applications directly from developer or App Store. Once more, rather than migrating just the user account?

A - Then a Year old computer would have Very Outdated Applications, extensions, drivers etc.

Added, could be the Applications may or may not even function at all especially if they are not coded as 64 Bit Applications

Factor in the Apple Silicon ARMs based computer with does have Rosetta 2 and the go between Application that are only Coded for Intel computers

Are there ways to import critical elements piecemeal, e.g., passwords managed with Safari or Bitwarden, email messages, MacVim configuration folder, photos and photo editing history either in the Photos app or Lightroom, etc., etc.? E.g., using Time Machine?

Yes TM Backup

What about data on synchronized mobile devices? Again emails in Apple Mail, passwords in safari, etc.?

Sync mobile devices

Use the Finder to sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with your Mac - Apple Support (CA)

Welcome and thank you too

FYI - have 2 - M1 computers and 1 - M2 computer and they fly 😀

Happy computing on the new machine