Alexander always does such great articles.

I think this is one of those fundamental problems which really just comes down to "Different people have different, often conflicting, ideas of what D&D should feel like". There's never going to be an answer to this which pleases everyone.

If WOTC made high-level play more about politics and realm management, some portion of players would feel alienated since they didn't sign up for D&D: Crusader Kings edition.

But if they make it so high-level is all about soloing Gods, that's going to alienate people who didn't sign up for D&D: DBZ edition