In Burt Reynolds' biography, he said....

To quote Bugs Bunny:

"Ehhh....it's a living" (and in Beatty's case, a damned *good* living). I'd have to say his immediate relations should be extremely happy he did it, since they're likely living pretty well as a result.

Better to ask any young, struggling wannabe actor...if given the chance would they do that same part, in a major motion picture, with other successful actors?

I'll guarantee that most (if not all) would say YES. And that's not knowing if they'd get any other parts afterwards. If you added "you'll enjoy the same success Beatty had after doing the part", absolutely 100% would do it.

Actors need to work, simple as that.

Reynolds is exaggerating and was full of himself. He couldn't even make the right choices for film roles and then later had regrets. He was a self-centered narcissist in the making and his career decline was perhaps deserved. He got on top due to charisma and looks and most of the films he made were crap. Especially the ones where he wore director's hat. He needed talented directors like Boorman and Aldrich, to make his more memorable films.

Exorcist: Christ's power compels you. Cast out, unclean spirit.
Destinata:💩

Beating your scene partner for doing what was called for in the script and by the director goes beyond "straight aversion" (whatever that means).

No, not "gay-panic", it's stupid-panic. You dont' just sit there while actually getting penetrated. You struggle, yell out, ruin the take. He doesn't have a gun to his head. In addition, there is no need to get penetrated for that specific scene; it's not a hard-core porno film.

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It's a shame what happened to Reeve after Deathtrap, his later paralysis of course being most prominent. I thought Deathtrap was highly entertaining with fine acting all around. Normally I don't care for films (like some of David Mamet's) that feel too "stagey," but IMO it worked to Deathtrap's advantage because theatrical drama and audience deception were central concerns of the characters themselves. Reeve was great in his usual uptight theater play style, precise enunciation and all. I think your point that the lover's kiss Reeve had with Caine hurt Reeve in part because he wasn't playing a victim like Beatty was. Audiences also were shocked by scenes like this in mainstream cinema at that time. If Reeve hadn't played Superman previously, I think Deathtrap would've been far less problematic for his career since it would've appeared less like Hollywood thumbing its nose at morally pure (more or less) cultural icons.