Is Ambassador status useless in North America?

Just for background, I held Ambassador status as an expat in Asia during the mid-2010s under Starwood for several years and then briefly when they merged with Marriott. During that entire period, I found the recognition and benefits to be outstanding. I was regularly given upgrades to top-level themed suites, received tons of personal recognition, gifts in the room, etc. At some properties the General Manager would even ask to meet with me for a free drink and a personal thank you. It was truly wonderful.

I now live in the U.S. and obtained Ambassador status late last year. To say the experience has been underwhelming by comparison is a significant understatement. So far I've had three stays, including one long-term stay. The brands were Marriott, W, and Ritz Carlton. I did not receive an upgrade at any of them. At the Marriott property I received no recognition AT ALL. As in zero. At the W (the longer-term stay) the manager did give me a very nice note and bottle of wine on arrival which was appreciated, but that was it. And at the Ritz Carlton, despite nicely asking, and in spite of suite inventory clearly being available on the website, no upgrade was granted.

Also, my Ambassador has been absolutely useless. I asked if she could please assist in arranging a car transfer from the airport to the Marriott, whereupon she told me to contact the hotel directly. Like, wtf, seriously? Why do you even exist if you can't handle that? What is it that you actually do?

Curious to know about the experiences of other Ambassadors in North America. Have I just had terrible luck so far, or is this par for the course these days?