Tax Loss Harvesting clarity

[GasFIRE]

(I suppose those in their early to mid accumulation years would actually consider it fortunate, but I'm past that point.)

I agree. I used to TLH when I was still accumulating in my taxable account. Was able to TLH a significant 6 figure amount in 2008. It allowed me to reconfigure and simplify my portfolio with minimal cap gn tax consequences. As I approach retirement I wish I still had those losses in my back pocket so I could spend assets with embedded cap gns without taxes due. Large losses functionally create a quasi-Roth, after-tax funds going in but no tax when selling on the way out. Now that my accumulation days are over I don't have significant lots that could potentially generate enough losses in a downturn to be worthwhile.