Bitcoin ETF has paved the way for other ETFs to become realities, so there's no need for them to go through all the scrutinies that Bitcoin went through before it's approval, I'm quite optimistic that Ethereum, ETF will be approved in May, or not too long after that. When Ethereum, happens, I believe that the process will become less demanding for the other top altcoins to be approved, SEC can decide to space a time frame for ETF approvals.
Like you I also think that it can become a Battle between Solana and BNB, although I see BNB having an edge, but that is not taking anything away from Solana, both are good to go.
Trust me, there is big need to scrutinize all of them. Just because Bitcoin is a great cryptocurrency doesn’t mean that every other cryptocurrency is good too. Of course I am not necessarily talking about BNB nor Solana but these people need to do their job to be sure they are approving something that they find valuable for the public. If they want to follow the trust of Bitcoin, they could have just approved top 20 cryptocurrencies ETFs but that can’t be the case.
When the SEC and people accept crypto as ETF, it's not difficult to include every popular crypto as ETF. Solana do have some controversies but that haven't stopped people from investing on it and using the network. The ETF on the other hand are just for investment, the people investing in ETF don't care much about the technology but the potential price boost for the ETF. If the SEC makes necessary arrangements for ETH to be listed as ETF, it would be an easy way ahead for Solana. ETFs are approached by the investment firms and SEC either gives them approval or ask for clarification. Investment firms would surely be forwarding a Solana ETF sooner.