Statistically, utilising the minimum Perf A compliant takeoff thrust makes you 5x less likely to have an engine failure, along with significant cost savings in engine wear..
That is NOT what is written in the article.
I can only interpret the figures in that article as that fixed derates cater for lower maintenance cost, not 5x more likely engine failure. Sure, if you do not perform any maintenance then yes, the engine will fail sooner. But that is not how we operate.
I'm struggling to think of anywhere I operate to where you get a choice of runways for departure so, for me at least, the question is moot.
It's not moot at all. Substitute 'a choice of runways' for 'a choice of intersections' and you have the same age-old discussion wether it is safe to depart from an intersection.