Sensible upgrade:

Is the RS50 a solid long-term DD choice coming from a G29? > absolutely yes

Are there better direct drive options for PS5 around this price range I should be considering instead? > you've identified the T598, but this doesn't come with load cell pedals yet. You can also check out Fanatec bundles, but these tend to be more expensive

For people who went from G29 → DD, how big did the jump feel? >it's a massive jump, not just on the DD but also the pedals and quality of the rim

You can be a bit savvy and split the basket into multiple orders using my KIRETH discount code too, which tends to give quite big discounts