Star–you are still stuck in the powerlifting mindset.
“A 40yd dash has much higher power output than an oly lift, but will it make you stronger than lifting weights? No. Higher power ouput during a lift does not necessarily equate to a greater positive impact on the lifter. There have been studies that quantified this.”
If the goal is to get stronger as it relates to the weightroom in the sense of maximal, 1rm, strength, then you are correct. That isn’t the goal though. The goal is to run faster, jump higher, throw further. Lifting is secondary to those goals, at best and maximal strength is below that even.
I agree, but if when you are in the weight room, even if you primary goal is to run faster or jump higher, you have to decide what traits you are trying to improve. One of the traits, for most athletes, is strength. Having determined that, what is the best method for improving strength. That is the debate, and the original point put forth by the OP.