But an I + and AI (as in a developer with access to AI tools) is as near as makes no difference the same price as just an I, and _can_ be better than just an I.
That's debatable -- if you follow all of the rules, and go through 25 review steps (which is the least fun part of software development...), you've squandered the advantage of using the AI in the first place. If you don't, you move very fast but your output is likely terrible and you'll eventually have to pay back the tech debt. The temptation to do less is extremely attractive here.
There are studies that show doctors with AI perform better in diagnoses tests than doctors without AI.
Also I think you’re cherry picking your experience. For one thing, I much prefer code review to code writing these days personally. And I find you don’t need to do “25 review steps” to ensure good output.
I’m just sensing lots of frustration and personal anecdote in your points here.
