Not sure its really a black and white subject, there are some extremely fit athletes out there who are strict vegan and will probably live long healthy lives. Have seen the same for people on carnivore. I think the most important thing is whole foods and staying clear of processed fiat shit.
Middle Ground, middle results. It really is black and white. Humans are wholly evolved to eat ruminants, not plants. Full stop.
Sure, you might be right on the middle ground approach, as with everything. On the flip side, vegan certainly isn't a middle ground, its pretty extreme. Some very high tier athletes swear by 100% plant based diets and have the accolades to back it up. Not a vegan, just sayin - seems like the human body has doesnt mind a vegan diet all that much!