I hope we can All suport the importance of Sobriety, and set a good example for our new Buddhists, things like no self, stream entry, enlightenment and nirvana, are just not as understandable or attainable as long as we're still using intoxicants,IMHO
I think you might have a wrong idea about what causes awakening. If we follow the precepts only with silabbattaparamasa then there is no wisdom at those moments, and they do not lead us closer to enlightenment, though we will not engage in unwholesome bodily deeds out of akusala - at least this protects us from akusala bodily action, even though it does not do anything to lead us out of samsara. If they are followed because of wisdom, however, they become causes for enlightenment.
Nevertheless, drinking can be harmful. It also causes mental dullness, which is not favorable for development. Like you said:
I agree with what you wrote above.Why should we think of the Buddhist Path any differently, Sobriety gives us the greatest ability to learn, understand and practice the teachings, being high or buzzed never makes it easier to understand things, but rather gives us false awakenings which we think are real, but 9 times out of 10 are delusion.
Kevin