Seeing as they aren't domesticated, and you're basically rewiring them to live solo and not nest in large broods. Yeah, I'd say it's pretty essential. There's no getting around it, there is a cruelty element to keeping wild animals as pets. You not being intentionally cruel doesn't really change that.

Thank you for being sane about this.

I've always wanted an African Grey, but I won't do it until I'm in a position to give a rescue the most time and best exercise and living environment I can.

I'll stick with dogs, who are perfectly happy to just snuggle and go on runs/hikes and chew the countless rawhides I've gifted them.

Theyre intelligent, and can become depressed or even go insane while in captivity.

If you got placed in a cage for years with nobody to talk to, and you couldn't go for a walk by yourself or find love, how exactly would you fare?

Sure, there are lots of good bird owners out there who do their best. But for every good bird owner, I knew 5 more growing up who just threw a sheet over their way-to-small bird cage to shut up their parrot.