First, my compliments for accurately assessing and describing your situation – not all HS students can articulate the situation as well as you did.
I agree that chasing the big full rides is a high investment (time and effort) activity that most likely won’t end up with a pot of gold at the end, despite how great a student you are.
Agree looking at auto merit opportunities based on GPA and test scores. Miami of Ohio is a great public university that might give you merit. It’d be a nice change of scenery. I have a niece and a nephew who went there and both loved it.
If you share your GPA and max amount you’re willing/able to pay, this will help hone the advice you get here.