“his seems to be saying ModOx is bad, but not quite as bad as frei.”
I don’t think it was meant in that way.
Lets’ try to analyze it from a different perspective – if someone goes from Ultra O to MO, the very move is not meant in a way you described the MO above, they are not looking to elevate themselves in Yiddishkeit.
I agree, honest authentic Erlichkeit is up to each individual. We won’t be asked after 120 what group we belonged to. You will be judged by the truthfulness of your heart and actions.