Payout Reliability: PSP vs. Direct Acquiring

Been thinking a lot about the distinction in payout reliability and speed when you're dealing with a full-service PSP versus directly integrating with an acquirer. My experience with some PSPs, especially for cross-border transactions, has shown variability. Sometimes funds seem to be held longer with less transparency on the hold reasons, even when the underlying acquiring bank seems to clear things quickly.

Is this a common experience? Are there specific types of PSPs or integration models that tend to be more robust for payouts? I'm particularly interested in the nuances for higher volume merchants and those dealing with multiple currencies. The fees are one thing, but if payout friction is consistently high, it quickly erodes any perceived benefit from the 'all-in-one' offering.