I mostly agree with you. However, a few points:

You state but still underestimate the challenges and pressures of having the US, Arab minions, Europe and Turkey conspiring to topple Assad. And for such a long time!

I see no virtue in allowing your enemy to humiliate and torture you when the situation becomes hopeless (Malraux’s “La Condition Humaine” notwithstanding). Although, it is unclear whether things were truly hopeless…

Assad gave thoughtful, clear-minded speeches (in Arabic). He understood the intricacies and responsibilities of his position and while he did not have charisma, he did try to navigate an impossibly complex situation.

Is the choice sectarian versus non-sectarian? The axis of resistance are mostly religious and sectarian though they somewhat tolerate non-sectarian views. No, I don’t agree with your assessment on that matter (although I myself am strongly non-sectarian). No, the choice is essentially that of dignity for oneself and respect for others versus narcissism and contempt for others. For example, the Hezb in Lebanon, while having relatively enormous military power compared to other groups, didn’t bully the other groups and had relatively modest political influence. The critical choice lies in rejecting overt or covert serfdom (in this case to the West) and being able to work with other likeminded persons on that matter.