My thought here is you are currently at the general membership level of Gold Passport not Platinum or Diamond which can be a vastly different experience at this property or any other for that matter. Gold Passport or the Gold level as you refer to it is an entry level membership to be clear.
One must set their expectation reasonably to be fair.
Many of the glowing reviews you read in this thread or elsewhere are from elite members in Gold Passport who routinely get upgraded here. Having said that failures, tired rooms and any defects shouldn’t have to be tolerated when you are paying your hard earned money in or out of any program or hotel brand.I have been in both buildings you refer too.I personally will only stay in the tower.
When a Gold Passport non elite guest buys a discounted rate at this property an upgrade is not something likely to happen during the busy peak season. And general membership is typically as I understand it not entitled to upgrades at all but to earn in the program………

I can see how frustration might easily occur. One has to pay up to the tower to get a better room type when not elite.
Have seen many guests over the past years at check in pay up. Both the agent and the guest must communicate at check in if an expectation is to be met of the guest.
I agree the building across from the tower is not the same standard or as desirable. I wouldn’t call it Motel 6 either to be fair……….
Families seeking slightly larger spaces may be more satisfied overall with the low rise buildings as they tend to be more spacious. There has been a recent turnover to the front desk or at least some new folks on the job more recently. So communication is more likely to also break down during the busy season.This property has an exceptional track record of making guests happy with consistent upgrades or charging a fee to better room types as available to general level members when available at check in.

I have always found the landscaping here very attractive so I am not sure what was so unappealing or shameful that you refer too.
Agree with the confusing maps! They should give GPS units at check in to the map challenged like me
I am a big fan of this hotel and a regular at the Red Marlin restaurant one of San Diego’s best restaurants.
Should you ever decide to come back I would be delighted to speak to my contacts at the hotel and assure you of a more special experience. My only other advice would be at any hotel you find yourself not satisfied go to the front office manager and ask if he or she can make an improvement more to your liking should you be willing to pay if not elite.
Sometimes a nice team member may just grant the better room complimentary especially if one is nice about it and space available...........
However there is also no obligation nor should it be an expectation.

Cheers Happy Travels