> author suggests that the program is sold on the basis of not requiring ID. This is untrue

But it is a benefit. I have flown without ID on account of losing it. Without Clear, TSA concocted an opera out of the matter. With it, it was entirely unremarlable.

The benefit is being able to leave your ID in your pocket/bag. It is not to be able to travel without ID. You are describing an edge case, not a reason a frequent traveller would opt to purchase Clear. (Fwiw, I understand this edge case, I’ve flown to Canada from the US w/o a passport because I could show the gate agents my Nexus card, but this is not a feature of having Nexus. The same logic holds for Clear.)