I do think there is an intentional focus by some in positions of influence/power towards depopulation. They do this from numerous fronts.

That is possible. When people deeply believe that they have it in their hands to "make the world a better place", they want to do it. Those who have enough resources will want to carry out such rescue actions without being aware that they cannot know what these many people and cultures unknown to them want; certainly not the effects of the undertakings.
It is also possible that if one has a lot of power, one will stoop to thinking that people cannot be made to change mentally and therefore must be forced. In fact, this is not entirely wrong if one starts from periods of time that one wants to experience oneself. But of course it changes when you think beyond your own lifespan. It's just that those who have the money and the means don't always have the patience to let things develop. They want to observe immediate results of their actions and beliefs. Hence the abrupt and violent intervention in human lifestyles who, if only left long enough and not rushed, would probably make wiser decisions.

In fact, I would have to be personally forced to do or refrain from doing something that goes against my worldview and is incompatible with my conscience. The example of "eating meat" is one such thing. I am not a vegetarian and I think it would be nonsense to become one (let alone vegan). In order for me not to eat meat, I have to be forced not to. Either via the wallet or other measures.
I think the objection that if you don't want to treat animals like products - which I understand and about which I also feel a sadness and compassion - the solution cannot be to stop eating the animals. You can't have everything: Happy circumstances within unhappy handling. The only sensible thing would be to set all animals free, but then we have to set ourselves free as well and declare all borders superfluous. If we stopped treating ourselves like products, we probably wouldn't do it to the animals either. However, this daring thought creates an immense defensive reaction in many people and it is perhaps interesting to ask why this is so.

see a rise in those factions where it is more pronounced finding ways to justify the idea that the children of the other factions belong to them, or at least are shared.

Yes, when one detaches oneself long enough from life, every idea on paper gains attraction.

How far have you come to read Shepard?