Everyone has a different experience. The location of my companies warehouse is in a town with only one hotel, so I am rather tied to it. I find though the Accor programme far more consistant and generous.
Avios works much better for me so programme has improved from my perspective. Just odd at it makes status irellevent.
Just about BA LH economy. That is generally considered the absolute worst option for using your Avios. With a BA Amex I can get two 2 for 1 vouchers so LH J works for me.