cloud gaming is not the ideal solution for 'access' for those that would have to otherwise wait.

It is very ideal and is perfect for those scenarios...

anectodal but when crysis dropped in 07. it was what spurred me to save and build a PC in 2011 just to play Crysis, finally, at max settings the way it was properly meant to be enjoyed.

Now this is not a scenario for regular people. Nobody I know would drop cash on a new PC just to play a single game at max settings. Most people are just content that games work at a decent enough setting on the devices / console they have and that is what Game Pass offers.

Comparing Game Pass to watching movies in 240p is a false analogy. Most games on Game Pass run just fine, especially for the devices people play it on.