I was wondering if 情け might be better with the primary definition being something akin to “compassion”. It looks like it is used in the example sentences more, and compassion doesn’t hold the same negative connotations for me that “pity” can. It doesn’t seem to me yet, or overall, that the Japanese use of 情け is ever intended as negative or condescending where pity can easily be. Even a well-intended “take pity on someone” has a sense of looking down on their situation.
I realize pity is the first definition on Jisho as well, but- just a thought… Happy to be educated to the contrary lol