That's right, the SSD alone doesn't solve my problems with previous gen games. It's only one key component of the PS5's I/O system
The problems I expected to be resolved were:
a) Faster traversal through detailed worlds without stutter
b) Elimination of I/O related design considerations, such as narrow passages to load the scene ahead
c) Traveling from one detailed environment to another within a split-second
Pop-in can happen all it wants as long as these things are there