apushatayid – you mentioned this Rambam but didn’t mention the source, or show the actual quote, so I thought I may (in english)
it’s from Hilchos Melachim 12:4
4. The Sages and prophets did not yearn for the Messianic Era in order
that [the Jewish people] rule over the entire world, nor in order that
they have dominion over the gentiles, nor that they be exalted by them,
nor in order that they eat, drink and celebrate. Rather, their
aspiration was that [the Jewish people] be free to involve themselves
in Torah and its wisdom, without anyone to oppress or disturb them, and
thus be found worthy of life in the World to Come, as we explained in
Hilchos Teshuvah.
(addition) I don’t know the source, but I believe somewhere the Rambam explains the main purpose of the messianic era and resurrection of the dead, is for the benefit of those Jews who were prevented from studying Torah and doing mitzvot due to outside forces such as persecution, poverty, and lack of resources, to have the opportunities to earn reward. (perhaps a lot of tinuk shnizbas?)