Don't know why it didn't dawn on me earlier to do this

Actually, it did cross my mind a few times, but not long enough for me to have actually give it more than a passing thought.

I moved the all in on desktop over to where the external monitor was, and put the monitor on the desk. Since video playback is watched on the right, and the desktop is faster to play, and has better playback, it's a better placement. Also, the monitor is non-glare, which makes doing photo editing a lot easier on the eyes. And since the monitor isn't a touchscreen, no more Loki jumping onto the desk and tapping screen with his body or tail, messing things up.

Bonus: with the things shifted.. turns out there's more open desk space.