This is a great write up! Only points I would add:

check the letter writing requirements, as you may need one from someone with a specific medical accreditation.
leverage the community when seeking out mental health providers for letters! Someone who has prior experience writing these letters for insurance can will know the requirements & ensure it’s done right. Talk to other trans people for recommendations.

Soo... I'll admit to not going through this with a fine tooth comb, because I've lived much of this.

Here's the one bit of bullshit that this article didn't mention. I've contacted to all of the surgical providers listed and even tried to schedule appointments with a few of them. They have waiting lists of a year.
Dr. Shane Morrison - Told me a year for a consult then probably another year or more for surgery.
Dr. Toby Meltzer - Hasn't been able to do any surgeries in Portland in a long time because the hospital isn't giving him any OR time. He can do surgeries in AZ, but his surgical facility may or may not be in your network. (It isn't in mine, and the surgery facility fee is ~$20k.)
Dr. Nick Esmonde - Used to be w/ Dr. Metzler and had the same problems described above.
Dr. Geoffrey Stiller - A year for a consult, then probably another year or more for surgery.
Dr. Daniel Dugi and Dr. Geolani Dy - They want a referral type document, and they've said it'd be a year for a consult after that. I didn't follow through with this.

I really wish the Stranger had covered this, and perhaps had pressed the hospital based sources why the delays are so long, and if other non-trans surgeries that are similarly situated are also delayed as long.

One thing I'd recommend as a resource for therapist letters is https://thegalap.org - its a group of mental health providers that don't want to gate keep and will often provide a letter in one visit. Often online and some provide letters for free.

The article has some decent info.

Here's a word of advice. Leave the author's toxic cynical attitude behind. It will only make things more difficult. You might be transgender, but that doesn't mean you get a free pass to be an asshole.

Do your research, do the necessary steps, be patient, keep a positive attitude. If you can't cope with the process, that's a sign you probably shouldn't go under the knife.