Agree.
We need a compact short wave transceiver device actually.
Baofeng is 20 dollars? How much cheaper and compact do you need?
And I know, I know, Baofengs are notorious for going over the allowed noise limits… but still…
Yaesu FTW
Is this prevented by physics or cost or just no one has the motivation?
There's the trusdx or the QMX.
QRP is the keyword you may be looking for. 9W, battery powered, SDR shortwave transceivers. There are inexpensive and expensive versions.