For what it's worth, the Clone Wars series predates Disney's assumption of control, so it was "canon" before Disney ("B.D."). And, for what it's worth, Thrawn's character is canon as well, since he has shown up in those animated series as well, and seems to have his history from the novels mostly implied. So while the B.D. novels themselves may not be canon, Thrawn is definitely A.D. canon. So your "much rather" seems "rather likely." Just sayin'.
But that specific point aside, I think your more general point is fairly well taken. But from what Disney has done and is doing, at least as far as has been revealed, I think the reality is somewhere in between. Yes, the two animated series are more obscure than the films for sure. But they aren't as obscure as you are making them out to be. And more importantly, the A.D. films have incorporated things that have ONLY showed up in the animated shows. From the Rise of Skywalker trailers, it is pretty clear that that movie will as well. And it is looking like The Madalorian also will. Bottom line: The bigger on-screen Star Wars story is reinforcing the canonicity of those animated series.