If your mic preamp provides enough (clean) gain, you won't need an auxiliary preamp like the CloudLifter.
I use an SM7b with a Neve Portico-II... with zero issues.
The SM7b is often used in scenarios where you don't want to pickup much of the room.
The SM7b was used on the vocals for Thriller.
SM7b is also good on guitar/bass cab, Voice-Over, etc.
Yes, you can get a more sensitive microphone.
If you're mic'ing acoustic guitar in a good sounding room, the SM7b is not what you want.
If you're recording a rock vocal in a room with less than ideal acoustics (or higher ambient noise), an SM7b is a great choice.