Also the first thing new CEO would do would be to reset expectations so they aren't blamed for not meeting the wildly optimistic timelines
What is the evidence for this?
On one hand, he drives retail interest in the stock. But that doesn't alone a $700bn company make. Tesla also has a $100bn revenue book that it turns as a profit thanks to its expertise and operational experience making batteries. To the extent batteries are to EVs what engines were to ICE vehicles, that puts it in a unique position in America and small company globally.
Between the cybertruck and Musk's fring politics, we may be approaching the point where his affiliation flips to liability. (A nested counterpoint being this resilience returning as evidence for his contributions.)
At this stage, I'd say Elon is a negative value for the company.
I've seen more than one Tesla with a bumper sticker that says something to the effect of "I bought this before I knew Elon was a twat".
People are tired of his lies about FSD. They hate Cybertruck (I don't believe the CT reservation numbers). They hate how he's gone full right-wing nutjob. They hate his handling of Twitter. Every time he opens his mouth (or tweets, really), it just creates more negative PR for himself, which then makes Tesla look worse.
I own a Tesla myself. I think kicking out Elon would be the best thing they can do for the company. Sure, his huge ego and personality gave Tesla a MASSIVE boost without needing any marketing, but it's no longer needed. Tesla is a household name at this point, and all the fame has gotten to his head.
Elon needs to go.
Is the person who builds a house only just the carpenter that physically puts up the structure, or is it the person organizing and funding the whole effort?
He was in fact very much initially opposed to the iPhone, thought the money spent on its development was a huge waste of time and money. Jobs had to be convinced it would be a success by Scott Forstall and Jonny Ives.