[CRConrad]

> There are also some dissidents in the West pushing the opposite narrative - ex-marine, retired intelligence officer, weapons inspector, colonel from a neutral country.

And above all, right-wing kooks, useful idiots, and outright Putler trolls. Quite a few of the people you mention also seem to belong to at least one of these categories.

> Notice who is pushing the narrative of Russia bogged down - journalists, politicians and their nominees, economists, and people with an active career in the military.

> There are also some dissidents in the West pushing the opposite narrative - ex-marine, retired intelligence officer

> Which group knows more about how a modern war is waged?

Ahem...

> Which group has a better track record so far?

Well, not the ones who said "This will be over in less than a week!" eleven weeks ago.