I think it's a cultural difference that leads to the services evolving to reflect its users.

NYC subways are great if you know in advance how to get where you're going (e.g. express vs local is really useful) and if you do it's a much more practical and efficient system. It's brusque but efficient.

London is much more egalitarian. It's easier than NYC if you're figuring it out as you go but there's no competitve advantage for knowing. It's more civilized but not as efficient.

All Metro's (or at least Paris, NYC & London) probably feature a certain aroma though I think the actual platforms in London are a bit less aromatic than NYC.

I don't think one system is better than another; it's just what's appropriate.