I definitely appreciate your perspective on that subject. My Marantz SR5012 just has the XT version of Audessey. By the way.... curious if the Audessey App is useful at all. They charge $20 bucks for it though.
I've had a decent enough experience with the Audyssey app... $20 worth of decent? Meh. *shrugs
I don't regret paying for it, though I wish I had a newer iPad or plus sized iPhone for the screen size... my old 6S makes it a little difficult to use when editing the curve... but patience and perseverance will get you through.
In general, until I installed my new speakers, I've had Audyssey active, full range, running it Flat with MRC OFF, DEQ ON. The inly change I made to the curve was a 1/3 size Mid Range Compensation dip at 2kHz just to help take the edge off the liveliness in my room... made it much more shallow and a little wider than the Aud. programmed version which looks like a 3dB crater in the curve.
Long story short... it can be useful, and is fun to play with. It's probably more entertaining than an afternoon at the movies... is definitely more useful.
In terms of the brand and AVR vs AVP conversation... this is such an age old question that really seems to come down to personal preferences. I'm in the same boat... would like to perhaps upgrade in a couple years. Interested in Anthem and ARC. I am very curious to see if Anthem updates their line for 2020 or '21.
I'm willing to stay with an AVR, especially one with better Amp Assignability. I want to keep my Surrounds and Atmos easy to manage, and that will be the thing I look at for myself, using Assignable On-Board Amps rather than buying an additional External Amp.
In terms of room correction, I'm also considering the Dirac series of Mini-DSP products.
All are viable paths forward.
If I had to make a decision today... I might choose in the way of the Marantz SR7013 or comparable Denon (x4500?). Especially if a sale were to hit (mid-late July?). But pending further research on the Anthem AVRs, I at least know what I'm getting in the D&M line vs a product that hasn't been refreshed in a couple years in the Anthems.
Cheers!