Riccardo is a great driver, back in day he won many races on RBR, the problem is that I don't think RBR wants to have a competitive driver in a competitive car who can race against MAX.
Never put 2 lions in the same cage.
The history speaks for itself,
Rosberg-Hamilton 2016
Alonso-Hamilton 2007
Senna-Prost '90
As much as I like Perez, he didn't reached his and team goal of seaon - end 2nd in driver's championship. It seems that he have more ambitions than to be back wing of Verstappen, but it's more than obvious that Red Bull won't let him to fight with Max for the title. You said very well that it's not good idea to have 2 lions in same cage. But for me it seems that sooner or later driver who have role just to help for leader, sooner or later become pissed off.
However, it will be expected to show a certain performance in its 2nd pilot. At Mercedes, although Bottas had better results than Sergio Perez, he still was not accepted in the team. Naturally, it may not be accepted by Sergio Perez.
Next season he will be at the top of Sergio Perez. This will either increase his performance or next season the redbull 2nd pilot seat will be riccardio's. Like every human being, their ideas and behaviors can change. It is unnecessary to make fun of him by saying that he said so 5 years ago. Anyway, he's one of the best drivers on the grid. I hope he will adapt to the car quickly and we will see him on the track again in 2024.