I’d suggest ignoring any advice that suggests that the transport doesn’t matter, that bits are bits, yada , yada, yada
I agree with your entire post and particularly this wise advice.
OP if you’re really happy with your current situation and sound quality, leave it alone. If you are determined to extract more from your CD listening experience, that is definitely possible. Just depends on what you are ultimately trying to accomplish.
As facten said, ignore the “bits is bits” mindset. A dedicated high quality CD transport will very positively impact your listening experience. DAC quality matters , and so does transport quality. A mediocre CD /digital source is only going to mitigate what a good DAC is capable of providing. Better CD transport means better DAC performance. This comprises your digital front end. They work in harmony as a pair, not in isolation from one another.
Inevitably all topics concerning CD playback will have the streaming alternative thrown in. Just the way it is now. That’s your call obviously. I believe that nearly everyone at this point is aware of the existence of streaming. However, there are plenty of listeners who prefer physical media and spinning CDs. Strange as that may be. So strictly a preference issue.
Charles