as for the "nodes, which everybody can run, to decide.." which choice do they have.. oh wait the only full node reference client that allows proposals for decisions on future upgrades is.......... wait for the drum roll.... core
now once you know the choice users have for their nodes of what direction bitcoin takes is core.. then look deeper into cores moderation and roadmap plan
over the last many many years there has no longer been a need for a user node consensus to cause a protocol upgrade, core have done a trick to eliminate that need, and rekt any attempt of any other brand from making proposals that go against the core roadmap..

but now you know all protocol changes are under the conditions of cores power you might want to check with the moderator of bitcoin cores github.. an the moderator of the bitcoin discussion on several platforms and realise whos holding the puppet strings. and his control of the priority of protocol changes to the roadmap plan they have, and their maintainer privileges..

and lastly
try not to use a blanket statement of a slogan  wrote decades ago and instead actually do some rigorous review
look at how the privileged devs respond to rigorous review and scrutiny.. it will shock you

the most shocking thing is by having fake slogans that things are reviewed, makes outsiders not actually bother reviewing the devs code, because outsiders think its already being reviewed, which then simply allows the devs to continue doing what they like unreviewed independently because the devs presented a fake slogan that they are being reviewed to not need others to review them.. and thats the trick

..
trying to brush issue under a rug with fake slogans from a decade ago wont help bitcoin. we need to ensure devs are actually reviewed scrutinised and critiqued to attempt to keep them accountable