

What does it mean to think? This is a open-ended philosophical question and has any number of answers.
I completely agree with your 2nd and 3rd paragraph.
There are similarities and there are clear differences. The reason why we say LLMs are different from us is because we DO have general intelligence, LLMs have not displayed such capabilities despite the intense pressure to prove so. THIS is why we say LLMs couldn’t possibly be like us. Because evidence shows they aren’t, despite the similarities.
I would be interested to hear what developments in the last month you’re referring to, would be exciting to see a breakthrough.

Everything you described would be a small improvement, not a leap towards AGI that is needed. That is why it isn’t being researched further. Massive investment for minimal gain.