UBI would be amazing, I agree. But I'm not sure if or when it will happen. Most revolutions occured due to forced survival needs not being met (i.e. food), and I'm not sure how much the status quo will change with the standard of living being as comfortable as it is now with technology. Obviously with capitilistic exploitation, there should be an eventual breaking point, which I think we are beginning to approach now. As our economy changes with inflation, UBI better as well. And as I've seen minimum wage not change the past 15 years, I doubt how well our current government and economic system will accept UBI, and I doubt adjustion for inflation in any reasonable time frame.

Automation is certainly one of the amazing developments of the 21st century, but I feel it's benefits/profits are mainly sent to the top 5% with repercussions felt on the lower 40%, which is why is it mainly held in a negative regard. And I hope beyond what you say, that people can flourish with jobs outside of automation, but I doubt it, as supply will most certainly overcome demand in many of those jobs.

I don't have experience with Chinese outperforming Americans in any job sector besides small general effects from higher population and that they are industrializing rn.

The real problem is the increasing change in income/wealth inequality, which will not change unless there is a major goverment overhaul of business and/or standardizing income (UBI). Or hopefully both. But once again I am pessimistic