It makes more sense though if they developed combo annular (or annular+nacelle) designs.

Which is exactly what the Sh’vhal type starship seen in Lower Decks appears to have!

Correct. The “barrier” in Star Wars is a mess of hyperspace disturbances that prevent safe navigation. Ancient Jedi and Sith found ways through using the Force, and using the relics they stored these routes in (“wayfinders”) is the only way to traverse it.