Cleaner? Yes.
easier? No.
Also note that you haven't actually done the same as my example.
You're missing <thead> and <tbody>
Also note that you haven't actually done the same as my example.
You're missing <thead> and <tbody>
It's easier to remember the html tags and to see if they are correct.
In markdown I have to remember the weird punctuation and get the | counts exactly correct.
For making something bold, there's low friction in wrapping it in asterisks compared to the HTML version. It's fast, easy and works.
For making a link, the friction is higher because you have to remember the link/text order, and the link/text punctuation. There's a what, one in four chance of getting it right if you haven't memorised it? It always trips me up and I have to go and look it up.
Whereas a link in HTML is pretty much the same format as everything else in HTML.
I think Markdown excels for short or limited things that consist of headings, lists and inline formatting, like blog-posts and comments and ReadMes, but I find it doesn't scale well.