I agree, but even without stirring the 2024 pot, the OP largely rests on the idea that 5E being in the CC means that D&D is forever. That only tracks if one assumes 5E is not just the best but the last version of D&D. That's silly, IMO.
The spell does not say anything about changing the creature's personality or awareness or anything else. It plants a singular, specific compulsion in the target's mind. The target then follows that compulsion as if of its own free will.
The flee command requires it move away from the target the...
I still don't understand, given the history of the game, how so many people have convinced themselves that 5E is the holy grail, forever edition and best possible version of D&D.
I like 5E (If I'm a little bored with it's dusty mid '10s design) but it certainly isn't the final form of D&D.
Again, if we talk about railroading as something the GM does, then we can break the implicit link between linearity and railroading. It means railroading is the GM saying "no" when they should otherwise be saying yes to player choices of action. Note that this does not say anything about outcome...
This I agree with. If the creatures thinks it can survive, doesn't care if it survives, or isn't aware of or can't recognize the threat -- well, bee line (B line?) it is.