True, you are right.
one must book clubroom/clubrate/clubsurcharge to get into RC lounges.
From a loyalty perspective though....
Ritz Carlton lounges are only complimentary accesible for Bonvoy Cobalts, or 3x on Ritz Carlton creditcards.
They guard their RC lounges.

Instead comparison rather would be :
Marriott's M-Club / JW Marriott Club lounge (Bonvoy platinums+up)
Hyatt's Grand Club & Regency Club (WoH: Globalist + lifetime & GOH & Club access awards
Hilton's executive lounge (HH: diamond + lifetime)
Accor's executive lounge (All: platinum & above)
if Fairmont's gold lounge (All: diamond)
.....
versus IHG's lounges (annual lounge pass at 40/70N)