1290 sdr gen 3 vs other bikes

Does anyone have experience between other bikes in different classes?

I'm curious if the 1290 can hold its own with 600 classes (let alone a entry 1000 ss) etc specially since it's in a street bike class.

I know the rider plays a huge role but I'm referring if the average track Joe on a 1290 and an average joe 600 rider are night and day. A few I'm a pretty awful rider and local riders are telling me the naked liter class bikes don't stand a chance unless it's like a tuono or v4 sf. I like the bike and don't really have the funds to maintain a 1000cc as track toy. The best I can do is 300-400cc in the future.

Is it an absolute no competition as people say without the sdr rider just being objectively better ?