Having been employed at Google for about nearly two years, your take doesn't seem accurate at all.

> And that reward / grading structure may not at all correspond to either the monetary or cultural success of a corporation.

The key feedback/suggestions I see for my own performance review is to define my impact on both the monetary and cultural success of my org. Exactly the opposite of what you are saying.

> being asked to 'level up' and told that this is your mission can lead to an unpleasurable career

I don't see this happening either. I commonly hear others say the opposite and make it known they are no longer trying to level up and that they are happy where they are.

> technical team lead to management or architect

This does not jive at all with the various career ladders I see. There is no ceiling that requires me to move to management in my tech ladder.

> find that you don't enjoy the new responsibilities

To some extent, the promo process levels up employees already working at that n+1. Sure, some may not want to maintain that, but that is ultimately up to the individual.

Disclaimer: I work at Google, opinions are my own.