Virtualized the desktop infrastructure of a medium sized architectural firm. I tested with a small ESXi server in each office and using RDP at first. When that was successful we expanded the project to "real" ESXi servers and a SAN. Our current iteration is a 3 host cluster (HPE DL380's) and StarWind VSAN. Very successful. Has changed the way people work and function.
I wouldn't be so "married" to the best practices. Best practices apply to hypothetical situations. They may not apply to you and they can certainly end up not being the "best" for your situation or environment. Don't make things overly complex - only when they need to be. KISS is still a very valid working principle!
