Free Spins vs Deposit Match - Watch out for the REAL catch

So, I've been seeing a lot of new affiliates pushing free spins lately, and honestly, it makes me wonder if they've really looked into the actual value for players - and us, by extension. In my experience, those free spin deals, while they look super attractive upfront, often come with some truly brutal wagering requirements on any winnings. I mean, 50x, 60x even? It's like, what's the point? You're basically playing with house money that's designed to never leave the house, if you know what I mean. Deposit match bonuses, on the other hand, can be a bit of a mixed bag too, but sometimes - sometimes - the wagering is a little more manageable. Still, you gotta check if it's just the bonus or bonus plus deposit, because that makes a huge difference. Tbh, I've seen more success with players actually cashing out from deposit matches, even with higher initial outlay, simply because the path to withdrawal felt less like climbing Everest. It's a real warning sign when the terms make it almost impossible to ever see that money. What are your thoughts on this? Have you found one to be consistently better for player retention and eventual payout?