Yes it's a analogous using CA is still a higher bar, but it would arguably be better to also use CA to validate openssh host certificates for all the reasons he listed above.

So maybe we should ask ourselves why can't we just figure out a way to improve handling of CA? Thanks to Let's Encrypt https coverage dramatically improved, now is maybe the time for more people to switch to self CA.

I agree though that promoting adoption through good tooling and pedagogy would be a nicer approach than Apple slap on the wrist.