I look at it this way.
Look at God and how He looked at His (lower) creation, and the care He gives us. Look how the more powerful treats the less powerful. He treats us better than we deserve, being rebellious sinners.
Now look at how we, the more powerful, in relative terms, treat the less powerful here - animals, children, elderly, poor, weaker than us. Some far more innocent than others, with nobody to speak for them.
Look how God treats the lesser beings. Then look how people treat the lesser ones among us. I think this is one of the reasons for us living. To see how we handle whatever amount of power and authority we’ve been given, and what do we do with it. Are we merciful? Are we generous? DO we show compassion where it’s truly needed? Do we stick up for those who have no value to anyone else?
God did that for me. And you. There’s lots of people and animals who could use someone to stick up for them. God wants to see what we do with what we’re given. Doesn’t expect more than what we can actually do.
I agree with everything you said, and above, too.