Your points are exactly why it is surprising. Most executives don't think like me and you. If you give them a million dollars, they say they need 10 million. If you give them a billion dollars, they say they need 10 billion.
I think hidden in there is a misconception about capitalism, that its about competition and being the best. While its a nice myth for grade school civics about why we are capitalist its just not the case. Capitalism is about profit. As long as you have it and its growing you are doing well. Intel did get very complacent, but it was still projected to grow and be profitable.
No, but more importantly not every election is going to have a progressive on the ballot. Voting for a progressive is what we should do. Voting blue is only when progressive isn't an option and we need to minimize harm.
The update is from me and what I am doing in my selfhosting