IMO Variable compression has greater potential then VVT, variable intake, VGT... but it’s also more complicated.
I think Saab concept (from some 10+ years ago) with tilting cylinder block was quite good.
It was 1.6 (blown) engine. Compression varied from from 14:1 to 8:1.
Consumption was same as NA 1.6 engine(or better), but power was 225hp (best v6 3.0 of that era).
IMO only (performance) downside is loss
of quench during low compression high power mode.