You're right. The market has shifted in the last decade. That's why USO dropped from 60-100 before 2008, stayed around 40 until 2015, and then maintained 10-13 ever since. There's no way it won't rebound slightly when this ends.
If you're risk adverse the $2 calls Jan 21st, 2022 are $3.35. Required move to break even is 9.91%. It dropped 50% MTD. I don't need a full recovery, just a minimum of 10% over the next 2 years.