Really? I found it more accurate in most cases. I wonder if there is a difference based on location. I am in California. Also maybe years ago it was not as good as Google, maybe it got better since then?
It works alright, but it is absolutely terrible for discovery, e.g. finding places to eat/things to do. If you already know where you want to go, it's usually pretty good.
Additionally, to view any reviews you have to download Yelp
probably a little of all the reasons you named, plus some others.
most likely it was just a shallow bait for apple fan's as i too use apple maps almost exclusively for some years now and found it more than capable for my navigation needs.
living completely offline is becoming increasingly challangeing thou. and going online to do anything becomes increasingly difficult w/o coming in touch with google in any way.
Writing this from a yet to be un-googled Pixel phone...