I'm not going to continue arguing about power creep, as nothing will change until new information comes to light, but there is one thing I'd like to address.
There's a general improvement of efficiency because more options means more power (choice is power)
This forum has chosen to disbelieve in this "illusory" concept, because I have argued this very concept in regards to class budgeting (i.e. pick-a-list as a spellcasting option has added power via choice versus a forced list spellcaster who doesn't get that choice at all), and it was almost universally shot down, so it feels hypocritical to bring this up as a counterargument when it's been argued to not be the case whatsoever.
it was almost universally shot down
You caught me! Yes, I have to admit, I'm not from this universe. And now that you know, I'll have to kill you.