Yeah, I agree that it depends on what your goals are for a college education. There are also some connections and benefits you can reap from going to a top school (if affordable) that I think are worth way more than some credits from AP.
Also, AP is not a waste if you don’t get the credits - it also prepares you really well for college by giving you a more rigorous courseload and broader knowledge. Even if you get a 3 on the calculus exam and don’t get the credit, you still know calculus a lot better than someone who never took it.