Imo the bike is called whatever it is to understand frame geometry and tire fitment. So it would still be a cross country bike.
If you take a CX bike and put flat bars on it... It's still a CX bike.
Same for DH, same for BMX, track, etc, etc

Moots is just doing marketing things.

But performance shoes are already a thing in cycling—they're ultra stiff for efficient power transfer.

Nike says the footwear connects the body and mind by engaging the sensory areas of your brain via thousands of mechanoreceptors underfoot - something traditional shoes tend to block.

Bruh wut

How do i boycott that from which i don't currently partake.

No, I've tried a few times. It hasn't worked out.
I would love to be but... Too many conflicting emotions.

The single most important thing that is oft overlooked on this subjrct is fitment. You could have a TotL, 2k$ FIM-rated, carbon fiber bucket but if it doesn't fit properly it won't protect properly.

I have carbon insert shoes but not the red cleats and no, ive never used SPD. My mtb has flat pedals.
That being said I've ridden my CX bike (with SL) through some shit and it felt great being locked into the pedals!

The problem lies when needing to dab a foot. lol

That's funny because I've been considering slapping my SL pedals on my mtb just for funsies. I love the feeling of being locked into the pedals and my shoes are super stiff. It would feel so good but for the obvious cons. lol