Does firm thick skin not get as dramatic improvement from facelift as thin damaged skin would? (Photo)

you look like a great candidate for a facelift.  I would recommend seeing a few surgeons to get an in-person opinion from plastic surgeons known for their facelifts.  I suspect you will find a more positive response than during your last consultation. 

Skin that is in good condition definitely yields a better result with a facelift. The skin in the photograph looks to be in good shape so I would expect the result of a facelift to be excellent.

I would classify your neck as a heavy neck with a obtuse cervical mental angle.    what this means is that there is excess adipose tissue or fat and that the hyoid bone which sits in the middle of the neck is more forward than on most other patients. Nevertheless excellent results can be achieved in the reducing the fat in the neck with either direct excision or liposuction,  and re-draping  the skin. Your skin appears to have good strength through it without significant loss of elasticity. You should do well with a face and neck lift. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.