Did a two year study on Revelations ...
So much is symbolic and there is much offered as possible connections. It is vague and realistic at the same time.
Since America is not mentioned in Revelations, it is likely not a power or still called America. It seems to me that chapter 18 reads like it is describing America. Because ‘the buyer’ of the worlds precious goods is destroyed and is no more. MOO!
You and I have pretty much the same take on this, from the top of your post to the bottom.
One thing that is pretty amazing to me is the connections between Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation.