Sure, if you are using a SIM from a country that does not require ID registration.
But we are talking about restoring access to your phone number. I don't really care about "a criminal" getting their account back on my service (well, unless I am SilkRoad or something).
My point is that I am able to get a new SIM for the same phone number as long as I've registered my ID with the provider. I have even kept my phone number even though I had my phone stolen 3 times for the last 20 years or so. Thus, if any of my accounts rely on that phone number for 2fa, I am good.