Glxinfo shows mesa driver is active, but I want nvidia

Please try some other kernel(s).

6.6 is the last LTS (long term support).

sudo mhwd-kernel -i linux66

And/Or 6.11 wont last for very long, but at least it wont be an RC.

sudo mhwd-kernel -i linux611

After install, and reboot, you should be able to select kernels from Grub during boot.