Thanks for your thought-provoking article.
My view on this is that spiritual truth transcends all religious systems and concepts but since this kind of truth is beyond the realm of the ordinary, usually we need to have some kind of entrance, a door, a structure to approach the extraordinary.
Since all kinds of methods and instructions are still within the domain of words and concepts, this can only serve as an orientation or signpost pointing to the real thing.
In this way, a spiritual system and compassionate teacher can still be helpful.