Keep in mind that one of the reasons "identity" is hard is that the usage is contextual. Many of these framings/solutions can simultaneously be useful for different questions related to the topic.
I tend to prefer non-binary solutions, mixing continuity and similarity depending on the reason for wanting to measure the distinction.
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I agree with you that identity should always answer on a question, like will I be identical to my copy in certain conditions, and what it will mean to be identical to it (for example, it could mean that I will agree on my replacement by that copy if it will be 99.9 per cent as me).
So identity is technical term which helps us to solve problems and that is why it is context depending.
I'd go further. Identity is not a technical term, though it's often used as if it were. Or maybe it's 20 technical terms, for different areas of inquiry, and context is needed to determine which.
The best mechanism is to taboo the word (along with "I" and "identical" and "my copy" and other things that imply the same fuzzy concept) and describe what you actually want to know.
You know that nothing will be quantum-identical, so that's a nonsense question. You can ask "to what degree will there be memory continuity between these two configurations", or "to what degree is a prediction of future pain applicable", or some other specific description of an experience or event.