Oh, one other point you made that I wanted to address:

I'm conflicted myself about whether the best strategy is to work with what we've got in terms of the Democratic party (and try to move it more left)... or abandon it completely and try to build some other alternative. I've heard compelling arguments for both.

My intent with the article wasn't to criticize anyone who does decide to vote, but merely to point out that voting is not where the actual REAL change is going to happen.

Voting your conscience is what I wish more people would do instead of thinking in terms of obtuse mathematical calculations to block a candidate they don't like. If your conscience is to vote for a lesser evil, with the realization that a fight will ensue after to make it even less-evil, then go for it. I've thought about voting that way myself, although at this point I think I might just sit it out and save my energy for that ensuing fight.

Incidentally, I find myself in the opposite position as you in a state that is guaranteed to remain blue. Our governor is Harris' running mate.