Midwest(Kansas City). Summers up to 105, winters down to -10. Rain, average humidity at 50%, lots of wind.

Helped build about 40 or so Habitat for Humanity houses(in the 90's)---about 18 or so with Hardi plank lap siding. What we used was factory primed and site painted. The key to our success---the houses I have seen after 15+ years look fine---was caulking all but joints and priming/painting any exposed ends(trim/fishscale details/etc.

We used a 7" reveal and hand screwed the planks in place.

The planks were installed over 1" rigid foam on wood framed houses and to the webbing on CIF sided homes(concrete insulating forms)

We used vinyl siding as well on other houses.

The vinyl was easily(and frequently) damaged by weed eaters of projectiles from power mowers. The sun faded the vinyl as well(we used premium thicknesses).

The only damage to Hardi siding was from a fire bomb or intentional vandalism. A single piece of Hardi plank was damaged by a fire bomb enough to have to replace it. The heat did melt the CIF form under the siding, but not enough to be a problem.

I have steel insulated siding on our house---I think that is better(more expensive initially, but very low maintenance in 30 years) long term choice. But, between Hardi, cedar shake, and vinyl---Hardie as the no contest winner.

I'll bet 95% of the Hardie complaints are installer error. Make sure your installer understands and follows the manufacturer's installation instructions to the letter and you'll have no problems.