You run MACsec either with 802.1X, or with your switch vendor's favorite color of proprietary switch-to-switch 802.1X replacement. MACsec without 802.1X [or equivalent] is a bit like TLS without certificates. It exists in a few places because some people have really weird custom requirements (TLS with pre-shared keys… TLS with NULL encryption…) but those things shouldn't drive a discussion outside their special usage areas.
In that sense: MACsec implies and requires 802.1X. Exceptions confirm the rule.
It's not veering, it's a full on car crash ;)
You run MACsec either with 802.1X, or with your switch vendor's favorite color of proprietary switch-to-switch 802.1X replacement. MACsec without 802.1X [or equivalent] is a bit like TLS without certificates. It exists in a few places because some people have really weird custom requirements (TLS with pre-shared keys… TLS with NULL encryption…) but those things shouldn't drive a discussion outside their special usage areas.
In that sense: MACsec implies and requires 802.1X. Exceptions confirm the rule.