The question is if the current approach (that is soaking up most of the investment and attention right now) is the end game, or is just a small piece.

Despite what this sub thinks, I don't know any experts truly believe that we have reached the end game. Even worse, no one truly knows what it will take to get to true AGI/ASI.

Personally, as someone with experience in software development and ML, I think that AI usage will continue to increase. It already has been increasing. But not in the way most people think. And AGI is a pipe dream at this point, I will be pleasantly surprised if I see it within my lifetime.