Even if we have a hardware wallet it’s about the 12 words and not the pendrive like thing right?

So I read a lot of people talking why a hardware wallet especially like a ledger is important but I what I doubt is:

1. Even if we have a hardware wallet, it’s about the 12 words and not the physical thing right?

2. You can’t have only a hardware wallet and not have your seed phrase written down. We still need to write it on a paper carve it on a metal plate

So how is this the safest thing? It’s not about any device it’s all about the 12 words.

Is it that the the hardware device comes w a seed phrase that’s a fresh virgin phrase?

If I’m using a hardware device and login using metamask app/extension once using the seed does it kill the whole point

I’m not saying hardware wallets are bad I’m just asking my doubts.

Thanks!!