Some people seem to have a great time using the Play for ambient: Play for ambient
But no product is perfect and different users will find different pros and cons. After your research, have you found another product that would be a better fit for your music production than the Play? You mention some alternatives. Would you choose them instead of the Play? Honest question! In the past I have considered all the ones you mention (and more). In the end, the Play (and now Play Plus) is the one that ticks more boxes in my list, and (most importantly for me) it is easy and fun to play with.