> Don’t run sprints if you don’t need them - that’s the answer.

Except the people being forced into the sprint aren't the ones with power to opt out. It has always been my experience that there is a "product owner" or agile coach or some other title who makes the decision, and isn't one that has to live inside the system they create.

So I agree with you in theory. Some people thrive in the sprint, others suffer and struggle. If everyone could opt in or out, it would be great. But in practice I've never seen the ability to opt out.