We did the semi-built-in hybrid similar to what I think cathy725 is describing. We backed into that by accident. Were planning on a built-in and the cabinet is made to the specs for a panasonic built-in, but a month prior to our reno -- per Murphy's law -- our microwave broke. So we got a $99 kenmore to tide us over. Then when we realized this microwave would fit the space nicely and the cabinet has the required clearances for it (the microwave is smallish), we decided it would be better to do the semi built-in option. So we asked our cabinet maker to put a strip of molding at the top to give it the appearance of being more built in, but the interior dimensions are actually larger. We figure this gives us the best of both worlds. Lower up front cost by reusing our existing micro, ease of replacement if it breaks, and the cabinet is still sized for a built in if we ever decide to change our minds on that. But given our experience so far in the 14 months we've had this, I don't see ever switching back to a built in now. Here's what ours looks like. A bit hard to see the molding strip that makes it appear more fit-to-size, but the interior cavity goes up to the bottom of the frameless cabinet door above the cutout. Please forgive this grainy pic that makes the mw look horrible, it's not a high enough photo resolution to be blown up that big, but hopefully it gets the point across:

I don't believe in building in something you don't have to. I also don't believe in spending $1,000 on a Viking micorwave when ive never spent more than $100 and always been happy with my popcorn and leftovers ... Both time I did a kitchen reno, some jerky greedy KD tried to get me to spend an exorbitant sum for a built in micro. I like them at eye level. The last time I had it above my double ovens, with a cabinet door that rose up and slid back like a garage door. This time it is also at eye level, on a shelf inside a cabinet with french doors. I added a pull out shelf below if I need to set something down

We have an oven/microwave combo (KitchenAid). If I could redo my kitchen I might do that part differently. I did not know when I designed my kitchen last year that microwave drawers were a thing. If I had known I might have chosen that with a built in oven instead. I do not dislike our oven/microwave however I do have concerns about the microwave breaking. The fan was actually broken when we installed it, and we had to get it repaired. So if something happens to it, I know we will have to pull the entire unit out to get it fixed which is more of a pain than just fixing a microwave. The other issue I have with it is that microwave is a little higher than I would like. We installed the unit 1.5" higher than they recommend (so I could have a 15" drawer below) and since I'm only 5'3" the microwave is a little bit high for me. Even installing it at suggested height would still leave it higher than the ideal. A drawer would be a nicer height most likely. I definitely like having a separate gas rangetop and built in oven. There are many reasons I want them separate, so a range was never an option for me. But I probably won't combine the oven and microwave again if I did another kitchen.

Nidnay - I remember reading this post at the start of building our new home over 2 years ago. Although I thought your microwave looked fine the way it was, I did like the inspiration photo that you showed. So I filed in my brain to be sure and have my microwave set back into the cabinetry because we also were getting inset cabinets. Guess what...I never gave it another thought!!! Now in our house for over a year and I saw this thread had popped up again. I had to go into my kitchen and see how my microwave drawer was placed. Well, apparently the position has never bothered me. 😁 PS - My dishwasher is on the opposite side, but within the bump-out area of my cabinets, It is inset into the cabinetry. When the dishwasher (Bosche) was first installed, it was sticking out like the microwave (I still cannot believe that I have never noticed 😀.) I had my builder set the dishwasher into the cabinetry.