Poor Apple Watch VO2 max accuracy

When I first got an Apple Watch, I was very interested in the VO2 max calculation. I believe myself to be reasonably fit. I run three or more days a week, and do other strength and fitness training on alternate days (with at least one recovery day each week). I've owned three Apple Watches (series 4, 5, 7). When I was really paying attention to VO2 max, I would be very careful to record exercise periods from zero effort all the way through recovery, with the band adjusted for solid skin contact. This would yield VO2 max values in the Above Average and High ranges. However, without careful attention to all of those details, my watch/phone report my VO2 max to be Below Average. Over time, I have become more, not less fit. I have concluded that VO2 max is not a useful metric unless one is willing to devote superhuman discipline to all measurement variables. For me, the payoff does not justify the effort.