It largely depends on what you mean by “better”:

Will he be perceived to be “better” by other people? Not necessarily. Some may perceive him this way seeing the qualities which they think they lack in themselves, some may perceive just the opposite seeing the qualities they hate in themselves. It’s a matter of perception. It’s not really up to him.

Is it “better” with regards to how his life flows? Will his life, as a series of events, become better, objectively, as in “luckier”? No.

Will he become a “better”, more productive member of society? Possibly, but not necessarily. Maybe even the opposite.

Will he be more loved, admired, revered? Will his life become “better” because of that? No.

What about in terms of how he himself experiences and perceives life? Then finally, yes, you can say it’s better. It’s the best. Authentic enlightenment is the absolute serenity and the absolute clarity of the mind. But to get to the very best, he had to go through the very worst. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts.