The psychology around getting a $500 bill every time a kid needs an x-ray vs a modest co-pay (even when at the end of the year it boils down to a similar 'out of pocket') is real. I definitely was more gung ho on seeing the PT, getting a dermatologist consult, getting in to urgent care, and otherwise being pro-active on health things because while the cost of the 2 plans OOPM might be similar with a PPO plan I had no incentive to not go while my HDHP took money out of my investments / pocket while I held money in an HSA for 'later'.

Maybe others don't struggle with that hurdle but I would much prefer a quality PPO even if I don't 'need' it.

You don't include actual deductible information or out of pocket max on the PPO or HSA.

You're obviously dealing with employer subsidy which makes the 'rules of thumb' scale totally out of whack and you can't compare without knowing the premiums, deductibles, OOPM, network difference, and co-pays to estimate yoru personal costs.