And in practice that is exactly what happens, as fast acting gas plants are a thing and can charge enough money to not run all the time, and still make a profit

And in practice that is exactly what happens, as fast acting gas plants are a thing and can charge enough money to not run all the time, and still make a profit. Specifically because the margin between them and nuclear is so big. But also nuclear has at least the flexibility to do it when needed [0]: German Isar 2 nuclear power plant holds the record among currently running plants in adjustability. The reactor's nominal output is 1,400 megawatts, and it can be adjusted in a range of 400−1,400 megawatts, with an adjustment speed of 40 megawatts per minute. The need for this great an adjustment capacity has resulted from Germany's current energy policies. [0]:https://www.lut.fi/web/en/news/-/asset_publisher/lGh4SAywhcPu/content/adjustable-nuclear-power-to-stabilise-generation-and-distribution-of-electric-power https://www.lut.fi/web/en/news/-/asset_publisher/lGh4SAywhcP...