^^^
To the OP, I'm sure you've noted a variety of different recommendations and approaches, each prioritizing various elements of saving and investing, often with the goal of maximizing/optimizing your accumulation phase.
That's all fine and well, but I'm going to cut thru all that and just say, the best plan is the one you can stick to over a very long period of time. Usually, for most people, that is best accomplished via some form of automated, passive, forced, set-it-and-forget it savings plan, such as a payroll deduction for 401k.
I have coached a significant number of Millennial and Gen-Z employees who have reported to me over the years - quite a few of them are multi-millionaires today.
Conversations usually went something like this:
Me: You're contributing to the 401k right?
Them: Yeh, of course Boss, I'm not an idiot.
Me: You're contributing the max, right?
Them: Of course.
Me: Like the absolute legal max?
Them: Oh, well, you know just enough to get the company match
Me: You gotta do the absolute max.
Them: You're joking right? I can barely make ends meet, NYC is sooo expensive [mind you these are very well paid young persons, IMO]
Me: You gotta do the absolute max.
Them: But, I can't.
Me: But, you can. Just cut out one chai mocha latte or expresso martini per day. You won't notice the $$$ missing from your paycheck. I promise.
Them: Well, ookkkaaayyy Boomer.
Me: In a couple decades, let me know how that worked out for you.