Seeing this from an outside perspective:
@TheLoudOne: my immense sympathies. It sounds like you were dealt a rough hand in a game that was rigged and you didn't know the hidden rules. It sounds like you have a lot of great experience pre-PhD. May you have success wherever the universe takes your brilliant mind!
@FennelFiend: if you did not get permission to post this from @TheLoudOne, that is INSANELY RUDE or making someone’s business public, especially during these trying times. I can imagine it is hard enough to be going through this already. It was their experience to share, not yours! I understand you wanted to "warn" prospects, but it sounds very different from the other stories that have been blasted on this thread. Be an adult and put yourself in their shoes: I can't imagine if you were a dedicated academic that you would want your story blasted on the internet for all to see. One of the best rules in academia is to be kind and empathetic towards others--it is hard enough out here.