OP,
Generally speaking, I agree with what you are saying. Even considering Tesla to be an anomaly with significant government subsidies. These startups likely won't make a dent into any of the established OEMs.
But I think the point is that these anomalies can happen. And it would be in Ford's best interest to always be leading, or at least in respectable positions, when it comes to quality, innovation, manufacturing, customer experience (vehicle and purchase experience). And right now, Ford is not even close in any of those categories.
Some little startup just may come along and be loved by the masses and kick Ford while we're down. I genuinely do not feel that our company is 'safe' from the competition.
I think our F150 sales were boosted by the Chicken Tax (you should look that up - interesting read) but now the competition is catching up. And what are we left with? Remember the 2015 Edge launch disaster? Remember the recent Explorer launch disaster? Remember eliminating all cars? The Mustang hasn't been profitable in years. We're left with all our eggs in the F150 basket - and the competition is ready to pass us. And the electric F150? Just read this site for comments on that performance, quality, and sales figures.
Look at how GM, Amazon, etc. reacted to Rivian when they first came out. That was another example of Ford being late to the party. Dare I say that Ford got lucky that Rivian has been struggling lately. They were absolutely in a position (at the beginning, anyway) to kick our butts in the electric SUV/Truck/Van segment. Ford got very lucky that they dropped the ball on manufacturing.
Lastly, to the person who said that this site is for complaining - and complaining about complaining - I with I had more that one upvote to give. Your comment is so funny and so true!