I agree with several of your points, especially your implication that this is a legitimate career decision for the player. But I disagree with a couple of important points.
One is that Bama cuts players' scholarships. Where is any evidence of that before 4 years (even before the 4 year rule) ? Bama has carried many players on schol. all 4 years without them ever playing a meaningful down. If they do their school work and keep their nose clean they are welcome to stay 4 years. I've heard CNS say that if a kid does not have the talent, it is a mistake on the staff's evaluation, and not the player's fault, therefore the player is accepted. OTOH, if it is lack of effort or bad behavior, that is on the player. Yes, some leave early because they got a brutally honest annual appraisal that indicated they were unlikely to get meaningful playing time. But that is for everyone's benefit and the player is left to decide. Greg McElroy was told that unless he increased his arm strength and his athletic ability, he would never play a down. Rather than quitting or pouting, he worked and ... It wouldn't have been wrong for him to transfer as some do, but he did not choose that path.
Benching a player - surely you don't consider that ruthless.
The University does show loyalty as I described above regarding the 4 year commitment to the player. That not only includes the scholarship, but being coached just like all of the other players until they have to focus on the ones who will play. Then they still get coached, but not as intensely. The player also has access to all facilities. He is treated like his playing teammates, not shunned or subtly humiliated in order to run him off.
And finally, to my knowledge, none have ever been "run off" in the middle of the season.
So, IMO, some loyalty has been earned by the program, not to mention a sense of loyalty to his teammates.
I never criticize a player for transferring, even if I disagree with his actions, and I'm not doing it here, I'm just addressing certain issues. Even if I disagree with the player's actions, I have sympathy for his plight.
