Only direct imaging will tell us what elements make up a planet’s atmosphere, and if there is oxygen which is a strong indicator of life, since it is a byproduct of photosynthesis.
We need to be using Webb for this.
The Universe is too big, there are too many stars, and so many exoplanets have already been found that the chance of finding life is too certain in my eyes.
It may take more sophisticated technology than we have now, but it will happen eventually.