I don't think any explanation is "better" or "worse" than the great filter, as we only have our example. There's nothing suggesting that we are alone in the universe, but also nothing suggesting that we aren't alone. We can formulate whatever hypothesis we want but it won't change reality. Either there's something out there or there isn't. Lots of people thinking the great filter or Drake's equation is real won't affect what is or isn't out there. We just don't know, and it's mostly a waste of time to think about it.