And If you don't pay the ransom, it guarantees the files are released. How's that better?

Believe it or not, these large ransomware groups do release files and don't keep bleeding the same victims repeatedly. They make millions a year doing these ransoms. Like I said, they only get paid because they have a history of holding up their end of the deal. The first report that says LockBit group doesn't release the files or continues the ransom after payment will be the last ransom they're ever paid.