I think similar. That some trip.com agents believe their own 1+/1- day window is the rule instead of the wider window of the operating carrier can happen. I had to rebook once via GotoGate a flight to 7 days earlier since plans changed. Initially a bot, but quickly changed to an agent, I had done my homework and they could manage my proposal, got a payment link for the penalty and fare difference and done. Main damage was an additional 40 EUro handling fee for Gotogate on top of carrier change fees and the like. But the OTA was well over 40 Euro cheaper in that case than the carrier to start with.

It is a bit more hassle than when you have booked directly with an airline, but then some airlines have crappy customer service too (read some threads on Saudia....it took me weeks to be rebooked on another carriers since the original flight was cancelled and I had to travel that day - call centre of no help, manage my booking did not help, calling to local offices only worked after 4-5 times Hang Up, Call Again). But yes, in general if the price difference is not a lot better book directly with the airline.

Trip.com of course has its roots East/SE Asia where customer service usually is a strength.