I do think this is a good alternative to at least consider, although I think some of your details are off.
In particular, re:
And it could defuse the cheap thrill of saying “look, I’m doing cutting-edge research despite having no background in the field!” when that actually means “I asked Claude to do something I only halfway understand.” The thrill, I think, involves the conceit that it’s fundamentally “your” work; having to spell out Claude’s extensive role ruins the fun (in a good way).
Most of these people are pretty excited to share that it was coauthored by Claude.
I do think this is a good alternative to at least consider, although I think some of your details are off.
In particular, re:
Most of these people are pretty excited to share that it was coauthored by Claude.