Interesting. I haven't had these bad experiences at all with the chip readers. And it's not like swiping always worked flawlessly either.
For me it's cc via tap -> cc via chip -> cc via swipe -> and if that doesn't work, then debit via tap -> debit via chip -> debit via swipe -> and if that don't work, cash.
Probably 99% of the transactions are on cc, keeps it easy to track spending so that's good for keeping the budget accurate and simple. Plus I collect about a vacation worth of cashback every year, that I wouldn't get otherwise. It's essentially a perpetual fee month long 0% loan with cashback, so why not? The only downsides can occur if I'm doing it wrong.
While traveling I tend to use local cash more often, since cc is not always available in some other countries. But here in Canada, it's pretty rare to encounter any transaction that isn't better via cc. I have no major qualms about the chip part, but tap to pay is definitely best.