This is my fourth decade of elite status flying. I appreciate OP spent the time comparing status and benefits amongst various program. Airlines elite benefits ( and qualification) change over time. It is never fair to compare one program/status/benefits from one era to another.

I am a free agent now while taking advantage of the UA lifetime GS status when UA is the best option. At the end day, I fly whoever has better schedule and offer most reasonable fares for product/services being offered. Chasing status year in and out seems inconsequential to me now versus when I was younger.

I actually think most of people here are quite receptive. People are less loyal and fixated on M+ than you think.
A small group may be, but not most. Despite my lifetime GS status, I have been flying CX, Scoot, Malaysian Air and Southwest lately. Definitely not tied to UA or *A.