I have the elite for two reasons, not old enough for retirement option and travel a lot in and out of Thailand.
If I did not travel and was eligible I would have the retirement option without hesitation.
Still have to do 90 day reports both elite and retirement and once a year at minimal cost renew the retirement option (maybe half a day to complete all told)
Unless you travel a lot I really do not see the advantage to the elite visa. Having had the marriage visa twice I will never, ever go that route again unless the process is simplified and changed...
Basically anything that reduces any interaction with the immigration is a bonus. The service has been excellent all told from elite although pretty much everything has been stopped for the moment due to pandemic restrictions.....