Salamun Alaikum Zakaria / All,
I find your analogy very apt.
I personally feel that today's traditional prayer captures the basic requirements of the Quran. I see no reason to 'reinvent the wheel'.
Some 'additions' have been introduced such as those that are outside the scope of the 'wudu' (ablution) as instructed in verse 5:6 and other pedantics like where to put ones hands, where to put ones right foot (straight or curled), what do to if one accidentally forgets a 'sajda' (prostration) or misses a rakat (unit) (unintentional mistakes are not accountable for 33:5, 2:225, 5:89) and others. We should not turn a blind eye to these unwarranted additions and unnecessary pedantics but deal with them in light of the Quran.
Generally, I would happily pray behind any imam of any sect or madhab (unless I have personal concerns pertaining to his ability to lead a congregation) as long as he establishes a basic form, I am happy to support it. I am happy because of the reason, God does not prescribe a specific form. In a Sunni 'Barelvi' congregation, I may tie my hands on my navel, in a 'Wahabi' congregation on my chest and in Shia congregation, drop them all together. Those that think there is a prescribed form will struggle with this (a precursor to 'sectarianism').
In my heart my intention is to pray and bow with those that bow to God (see wisdom in: 2:43, 3:43).
As I understand Arabic and what I say in my prayer, I am not in contravention of 4:43 'until you can understand all that you say', I am happy to commune with my Lord in Arabic. I may also substitute my prayers with other languages which I may be proficient with such as English or others. As long as I am within the bounds of 4:43, I see no reason to change this. However, those that don't understand Arabic, yet feel forced to pray in Arabic are in contravention of 4:43. That is Quranic proof! They need to pray in a vernacular that they understand.
Personally I stick with the basic formula of units, 2x4x4x3x4 as it is core to nearly all worshippers, not in contravention of the Quranic guidelines and supports my best efforts to join with those that 'establish prayer'. I personally add to the units whenever I feel inclined. I may also decide to fall on my knees or prostrate when I want to thank my Lord for something immediately outside the prescribed times. (Like Prophet David did in 38:24).
However, sticking to the basic formula doesn't mean that I am sanctioning a particular Sunna as a prescription from God. If I don't follow this set formula, there is not one person in my humble view that can bring me clear, unequivocal evidence from the Quran that I have committed a sin.
If there is such a verse which proves that I have committed a sin, I humbly invite any Muslim brother or sister to produce it and enlighten me, God willing.
The directive of salat in the main is only specific in one instruction; 'Establish prayer'.
Joseph.