Have CompTIA's certs made difference?

Saw few YT vids and shorts that basically said hey, CompTIA certs are all theoretical knowledge, little or none of it is used in OTJ stuff. Lot of unhappy comments too about getting XYZ certs and saying yeah, they're overrated.

Studying for Sec+ myself since required in my NGT cybercamp, however, was Sec+ certified when 501 was current version. Job hunted diligently, astonished that despite it crowning my degree in cybersecurity, not even an interview request. Wrong outcome, the promise was it'd open doors and attract recruiters; honest guy, hard worker, never settle for anything less than doing my best, so this was hard to accept.

So am wondering if it's still worthwhile. Does it shine best with DIY cyber experience, maybe? Yes, passing it will be a solid achievement, simply want to ensure it won't make me feel a failure again.