I feel like Mattia Binotto might be a good option for them. I doubt they will get Cyril back. So what other option would be available for 2024 without getting someone outside of F1? And that seems not what Alpine and Renault need.
I can see both sides of the argument. Someone outside of F1 could bring in some decent success, but also may struggle with the politics of F1. The F1 TP pool is small, and nobody outside of Mattia seems to be available.
It's a prestige position. We had the same discussions about the Ferrari TP position. Seemingly no one wanted internal Ferrari politics, but we were proven the opposite.
Judging from the whole picture: What other team has the infrastructure and logistics already built up to success? Renault doesn't want to spend anything on motorsports, but everything is already there - even an engine department.
Compared to Aston or other teams, you don't need to look for investors at Renault/Alpine, which makes it more attractive in the long run.
Minus the internal French politics, it looks like a perfect opportunity.