Like you I support landmarking buildings but after reading about the "Doc Webb House" in this week's WSJ[1] I absolutely agree with you that the current process lacks any sort of balance between the owners' interests and the public's interest. Even worse, it seems some people are starting to use the landmark designation as a way to manipulate the value of property they want to buy. And, much like the building occupied by the Strand, I don't really see the architectural significance[2] and I'm not sure I would consider a building historic simply because it had a notable occupant at some point.
[1] https://www.wsj.com/articles/when-a-home-is-suddenly-called-...
[2] https://www.tampabay.com/storyimage/HI/20190510/ARTICLE/1905...