I agree and disagree In terms of out and out pace, completely agree with you there. Merc are looking at the bigger picture and the future with the significant changes coming in 2022, focusing their development there. Whilst RB are having a good season this year, expect them to be back to second best next year when they are behind the game in terms of development for the new cars. The difference in pace is huge compared to the previous year, anyone who thinks that Merc are bluffing is only kidding themselves, 1 years development does not give you that much pace advantage over a car that has been easily dominant the entire turbo hybrid era.
Where I disagree with you is that this is a team sport, having 2 drivers working together at the front has proven time and again a winning formula. Perez is good, but he makes mistakes, so does Bottas but he is a better driver and Merc can bring strategy into winning the race removing the pace deficit. Perfect example is Silverstone, if Bottas hadn't of played the team game it would have been an easy with for Ferrari.