If you know what you want to listen to it’s great.
Recommendations are better on Spotify in my opinion, but still better than on Tidal or other streaming services.
For me Apple Music also wins, because there is no other streaming service providing lossless audio at that price.
I don’t really understand the point you’re trying to make.
You absolutely can use the music app without paying for the subscription by syncing your own media.
As others have proven, the previews can even be listened to without creating an account.
For me Apple Music also wins, because there is no other streaming service providing lossless audio at that price.