Long long ago, in a time before digital ware, I owned a humble Nikon FM. 1 frame at a time, as fast as could wind the film, no auto focus, no ISO (ASA) above 200, no LCD to chimp on, and so on, yet I, and many even better than me survived and thrived.
It appears that Z9 has beaten the pants off of you and you must now beat up on old Nikon models. How sad.
EDIT: To adapt your signature quote:
"Love your camera & your camera loves you back"
Steve's take on the Z series 6 and 7 for wild life is a great summary of what these models are for, simple and to the point, and if you want to use them for wild life sports action you can if you improve your skill sets more.
People who i know who have the Z series love them and they are shooting all sorts subjects but not dedicated wild life sports action.
A question......what percentage of the total camera market globally is dedicated especially for sports action and wild life, i think that could be interesting to find out.
I find that with the newer mirror less systems and the direction on all brands, while brilliant and the future, for me in many ways is getting a little to geekish and you really need almost have a university degree or be super attentive and versed in understanding or learning the many customizable options, specific settings, button assigning, the list goes on and on, in some ways unless your 20 and a geek it seems a bit of a departure from photography.............
We have smart phones, we have dumb phones, we have smart cameras, well whats wrong with having a dumb camera.
We bitched about weight and size until Sony came and answered our needs, now we see a heavy Z9, i mean if your a pro sports shooter its not an issue, if your a hiker it will be hence i feel the drill down models will be a better option for elderly and hikers etc.
Interesting times, great discussions, but possibly things are getting a little to complicated with all theses menus and you almost feel like you taking out a very compact computer that records things......and nearly anyone with little or no skill can nail pro shots.
Apples phone success is 12 mp and a simple user friendly operating system...........that everyone can use easily...........
I want a Z9 to use in auto mode LOL, but weight from a massive heat sink for video capacity is something i don't need as i don't do video.
Drill downs of the Z9 will have the focusing features with less speed and size as well as affordability, its not an unrealistic assumption.
I have tried to keep away from heavy............
Only an opinion
Oz down under