I do agree that in Socal ECNL clubs are very good.Because without the DA all of the items above are not good enough. Most (not all) are reasons people are leaving the club. People would tolerate it for the DA.
However, I don't think it's a smart to write GA clubs off 100%. Sure some parents will chase whatever alphabet league they feel strongly about. But this is a marathon not a sprint. Going full tilt from youngers all the way through college isn't realistic for most players. There will be movement + over time the best players will get recruited no matter what club they play for.
Think about this potential outcome. Say your kid is on a top ECNL team but not getting minutes. Or what if they get hurt + need time to rehab + play at a lower level. Does it make sense to drive and hour+ for practice just to keep a spot on the bench? Maybe you could bump down to ECRL but parent egos wont allow that. Bam, suddenly you're trying to get on the #1 GA team that's local.
Like I said before GA coaches/leadership that were able to get players college looks during DA often hasn't changed. Just like bottom of the barrel ECNL clubs coaches/leadership that has problems getting players in the JCs hasn't changed.
Finally who do you think ECNL clubs are going to try and recruit from if they hear about a hot player. A top ECNL club they would never leave from or a top GA club where there's a good chance they would be happy to jump.