Yeah, the software driving most lasers is pretty terrible. I think they ignore the inertia of the lens assembly and it leads to a lot of issues. I've owned a big CNC router in my last startup (where that CANNOT be ignored) and never saw the alignment issues that I regularly see with small lasers.

Metal marking sprays exist for CO2 lasers. It's a cheap alternative to a new laser. www.amazon.com/s?k=laser+me... Maybe that would be an option?

I built my 1st 3D printer back around 2010 (a steampunk MakerBot Cupcake *not* from a kit). I've had a Creality (meh experience). Now running an AnkerMake (which has been awesome, but I'm not sure they'll stay in the business). I'd be hard-pressed to buy another Creality.