x86/x64 code is pretty much 100% compatible between AMD and Intel. On the GPU side it’s not that simple but Sony would’ve “just” had to port over their GNM(X) graphics APIs to Intel (Arc, presumably). Just like most PC games work completely fine and in the same way between Nvidia, AMD and Intel GPUs. But they have to do that anyway to some extent even with newer GPU architectures from AMD, because PS4’s GCN isn’t 1:1 compatible to PS5’s RDNA2 on an architectural level, and the PS4’s Jaguar CPU isn’t even close to PS5’s Zen 2.
Other than that, you’re right. Sony wouldn’t switch to Intel unless they got a way better chip and/or way better deal, and I don’t think Intel was ready with a competitive GPU architecture back when the PS5’s specifications were set in stone.
Whether free will exists or not would add a whole new layer to this discussion that you could easily add to almost any discussion as a wildcard. If we assume that using Windows vs Linux is predetermined as opposed to being a choice, this whole comment tree doesn’t make any sense. So let’s not go there.
In my opinion, if quitting playing a couple of games really is life changing to you, you have deeper problems. If your so-called friends can’t understand why you quit a game over something that’s more important (to you), then find different people who do. That’s almost as stupid as American kids excluding other kids for not using iMessage/iPhone. Doesn’t mean your friends have to stop playing these games, but you can share other moments with them. Other games, conversations, other activities altogether.