We both agree. I believe it is the Holy Spirit that guides that discernment.
Acts 13:2-3 "As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "now separate to me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them". Then having fasted and prayed and laid hands on them then they sent them away."
The RCC does not control the Holy Spirit, so the Theory of Apostolic Succession can't be based on an ordination process that is unique to the RCC.
True. The Apostolic succession is intact in the Catholic Church, in the Orthodox Church, and quite possibly in the Churches of the East such as the Coptic Church. It was valid in the Anglican church till 19c, when changes in the Holy Orders introduced there invalidated it.