Not sure what the conflict is.
Your one quote is about new 'exciting' actresses. So, sure, if someone has some degree of buzz, for whatever reason, then they would prefer to leverage that into doing something with a bit more prestige to it, like originating a role, or going into something established that sort of gets fanfare with every new casting (like Waitress). I don't see a new exciting actress as being unemployed, but in a position to have some bit of ability to control their trajectory (within the confines of what shows are coming in, have openings, etc.).
The other quote is that newer talent is not as interested in older shows. Again, probably true. But unless that talent has a job, then being the 18th Boq is better than waiting for a potential break that may never come their way. I don't see it as contradictory that they want to do new work, but may end up doing something else.
Also, it often isn't either/or, many people who do long-term contracts have clauses that they can book other work. So, if you book 12 months at Wicked, you can do 7 months, go do an Off-Broadway play for 2 months, and then come back and finish out your five remaining months. Although that sort of thing may not be available for someone who never performed on Broadway before.