I would agree, if 0% spam is the only solution but, changing consensus would be a hard fork. Very costly, very messy, and risks having the whole network fall apart and killing Bitcoin.
Adding filters and patches can deter most spam. As more people run Knots the deterrent increases.
Most of the filters and patches in Knots were originally proposed in Core but were not merged for political reasons. If Core had included them this wouldn’t be an issue.
Core left our doors unlocked and caused a rash of burglaries. Their response is to take the doors off the hinges. Their rationale is that if we lock the door someone will smash the lock.