A unique object
Good observation. Rather than being disappointed that Mars has not turned out to be as Earth-like as some would wish, we should be amazed at the way that this quite subtly different planet behaves.
The difference between Mars and the Moon is fundamental, as is the difference between earth and Mars.
Only a small turn of the dial in size, composition, and temperature leads to a very different outcome. Rare Earth has my vote.
(I'm sure there are lots of planets in the Universe that are waterworlds with biota ranging from green slime [through purple slime and orange slime] to fish, octopi, sponges, clams, and whatever you can imagine - but NOT space rockets, computers, and radio telescopes)