I remember I had issues in setting it up. IIRC there was a problem with a too long URL that you where supposed to copy & paste in the browser... And I took me a few tries until I figured that out.
Beside this, I don't remember if that was the same issue...
Maybe you can post the full trace (with redacted credentials)?
That's why you should always use them as jbod and setup Linux software raid (or zfs raid? Not familiar) directly.
Never go without a raid... Not a good idea in any case.
As for heat, I used jbod enclosures with fan, anything with more than 2 drives should have one, or don't bother.
I wouldn't go with single drive enclosures (even if I did for 10 years) as better not to cheap out on this matter. A 4 x 10€ cheap enclosure might be tempting, but shilling out 100€ for a nice actively cooled 4-disk jbod is a much better choice. Then go sw raid on top of it.
I used USB enclosures for my RAIDs for over 20 years. The turning point has been usb3 and then usb-c even better, but I found really no difference as in the bottleneck where the mechanical drives.
Moved to an all internal sata setup a few months back because I upgraded the space and moved to a desktop form factor.
Can still recommend the USB approach tough.
BUY A QUALITY EBCLOSURE.
I always used Linux software raid, but purchased a 4 slots USB raid/jbod enclosure to keep the number of used USB ports down.
I never ever had issues with the setup, but I purchased a known-brand enclosure, one with also e-SATA, which unfortunately was/is more a fad than even been really used.
Yes, absolutely. No risk of virus or bacteria, or worse...
Grown to the size you want...
Of the shape and type you want...
No fat (maybe?)....
What's not to like.