I think you are, sadly, completely correct. And that is why Section 230 in IMO unworkable as it was conceived, as it provides exceptions on a justification that is completely false.

Honestly I don't see what's the best alternative. Probably the segregation of comment platforms and sites. If Section 230 were to be substituted with something effective in regards of speech protection, or conversely the right of platforms to curate comments, then still this would only apply to the US and it would be a significant factor to move the comments elsewhere.