This comparison “Courtyard/Springhill Suites/Fairfield Inn they fall way short of Hilton Garden Inn/Doubletree Inn/Hampton Inn” is not all that accurate. A Springhill is nothing like a full service Double Tree. DT are compatible to Renaissance or Sheratons. Springhills are a lot closer to Hamptons. In reality Hilton doesn’t have a direct competitor to Springhill. However, yes HGI are way better than Courtyards.

That said I’m a Hilton Diamond starting at Marriott. The 4pm checkout gives Marriott the advantage easily. I have been far happier at Marriott than Hilton. Even with their struggles merging the programs.