Is using the METV a viable alternative to the OA retirement visa in Thailand?

This post is only indirectly related to “visa advice”, so I’ll let the admins make the call. That said, regarding my recent post about using an METV as an alternative to the “retirement” OA, I’m just wondering if anyone else is or would consider this as an option, given that the requirements of the METV are less stringent and (if I’m not mistaken) this visa will allow you up to 9 months on the ground if you cross all your T’s and dot all your I’s. The criteria being a.) you split your time (or plan to) between Thailand and your home country, and b.) you’re already paying for health insurance in your own country (probably the U.S.) and would therefore be forced to pay for TWO policies. If you’re in this boat, the recent proposed reg changes are particularly odious and the argument that you should stay out of Thailand if you can’t “afford” it are largely beside the point.