I just don't see the problem that you do. The Ufer is superior primarily because of its great earth contact area.
To me it appears
that those who oppose
have an open circuit between the ears.
Water mains must be bonded.
Workers must treat them as energized and jumper around them before removing or replacing a meter, valve, fitting, or section.
If there is a problem, it has to be insufficient bonding. They should be demanding using dielectric couplings where necessary. Not bonding is not a real solution.
