Excellent observations and points.
It’s true, the Spyderco specifically and definitely will not allow for any mirror polish or edge reprofiling, and while, with time, the Lansky could achieve either, it’s a matter of a whole hell of a lot of time. They’re just great sharpeners. Though I would challenge that they both, very easily get hair popping results and the Lansky, with so many stone options, can most assuredly get you a mirror finish, if you’ve got the patience and time. I would also agree that my time is worth much too much to spend doing such a thing by hand, but I also couldn’t care less about such things, as of yet. I just want utility. So I guess it comes down to what it will always come down to, and that’s philosophy of use and wants.
If you truly wish to get into profiling of blades, which can be very rewarding and create a truly perfect blade for the individual and their own needs/wants of a blade, then you’ll need something a lot more industrious, something with a power source.