I actually have a raw database backup via Mac Time Machine backups.
This is the only way to properly restore Local Notebooks
I also rely on Evernote's Note History backup to restore lost content from individual notes
Also Evernote's cloud sync means I'm not at risk from a device failure; my data can be accessed on the web and other devices
>>I know the Evernote method has its drawbacks - no notebook, structure, no selective choosing on what to import, etc
On the plus side, the Evernote export/import feature retains metadata (except for Notebook and Note-ID)
I can import notes from my HTML backup but I have to manually set the metadata
Selective access and import is a big issue.
My recovery needs are for content from individual notes
I can't access a single note in a .enex backup file - I have to import the entire set of notes just to get access to the note I need
With my HTML backup, I have direct access to individual notes
Finally, have you tried importing a .enex backup file?
My testing failed various times; including my Mac choking on large .enex files