So it definitely is better now that you've switched to inferior vs superior products and that would be a better metric (though not sufficient alone) but longevity isn't the same thing as quality.

I mean lead cups last longer than glass, but I'm glad we don't use them anymore! (And glad nobody thought to use the ultra durable uranium lol)

But we do get subjective now, since how do you compare durability to efficiency?

Paper towels in public bathrooms are a good example for this idea. They are single use disposable, but they come with a lot of health benefits. I don't think it's worth switching back to reusable towels in shared bathrooms. (I'm ignoring air dryers since they are more complex to compare)

Of course at home you absolutely should use normal towels. Context is important, and makes everything so complex we can't really make broad and general goals.