Perhaps in Southern England, yes. I'm fairly certain being a GP for a huge swathe of the Scottish Highlands, or as part of the Royal Australian Flying Doctors, is just as challenging as a hospital based specialty, if not more so.
Clearly for that GP, it was the case they were a "failed doctor" and had presumably intended to pursue a career as a hospitalist but failed to continue down that path for whatever reason. Many GPs are quite happy with community focused care, and being able to engage patients over the course of their lives and have prolonged professional relationships with them.
It's irrelevant to debate, as it entirely depends on the individuals involved. It need not necessarily be a second choice, but it may well be for some. Additionally, I'm sure early-mid career GPs have better satisfaction than those wracked with nerves about MRCP/S etc exams and continuing attrition in reapplying to successive core/specialty training posts.