When you spell out the difference like that it's a fairly significant one, we're in full agreement.
Ecency is my choice front end, I've seen them mentioned one other time now when a vote sharing account is in question and I can't help but do this because I, personally, earn ESTM and think they're good for the Blockchain. Points allow me to increase vote value of content I appreciate by adding much as $1.60 (last time I checked) which is nearly double my vote strength.
Ye it is :D
Ecency also uses the RC for creating accounts for new users therefor helping with onboarding which has always been problem for Hive, that another way to add value here ^^ :D