Thanks for the thoughts & comments Gino. For me, I suspect that the vast majority of prints I would do (if thermal) would not require lamination. As I am a one-man-show, I won't be doing any wraps (and there is a guy here who undercuts everybody on wraps anyways). Heck, like Dan Antonelli, I don't even think wraps are money well spent. 99% of the ones I've seen are just a messy mass of confusion which don't communicate very well at all.
I do lots of boat lettering, and while that would still remain being done with cast vinyl, a laminated thermal print might get utilized now & then.
Most of my work is smaller stuff, so If I can get away with a Big Squeegee for those occasional lam needs, I'll be happy.