I think the issue is not necessarily that Ukrainians were deemed intrinsically more worthy of support than other groups but that the scheme was set up to allow a large number of people to arrive with minimal processing in a short space of time (of course, you could argue this in itself gives them preferential status over other groups and you could also argue that the scheme still had far too much red tape). But by giving them visas and allowing them to enter the UK on that basis, rather than seeking asylum or treating them as refugees, they were never going to be treated in the same way as those who enter in that way.
I do agree that they have had preferential treatment but it's more complicated than Ukrainians versus other groups of immigrants. I think - for example - the fact that the message about contributing to household living costs has been so hidden is an absolute outrage. All of them have been entitled to work or claim benefits from the point of arrival and as a result have been well placed to alleviate the financial burden on their hosts and yet still you see many hosts feeling uncomfortable about asking or being told - when they do - that that is what the thank you payment is for. There is no other group of people anywhere in this country - refugees, legal immigrants, illegal immigrants, asylum seekers, benefit claimants or citizens who are working here (or any permutation of this) who don't have to cover living costs to some degree.
My issue with the scheme is that they have been given a very generous deal in comparison to everyone else, and that while a grace period to settle in, rebuild and find their feet is entirely reasonable, some are still choosing not to work (I know of at least three locally who are refusing jobs that don't match the professional status they had in Ukraine) and not making a financial contribution to their hosts' costs. The point of giving them the right to work and claim benefits from the start was not to give them free money - it was to help them build an independent life here from the start. That message has not been communicated clearly and after nearly nine months it should be a lot better understood.
It makes me very uncomfortable. I hosted because I wanted to help and the need is undoubtedly there - my guest's home town is largely without power and has been shelled repeatedly over the last 10.5 months as well as being invaded at the start of the war. She's safe here, and working and contributing - I've no issue with her approach at all. But many of her friends have been much less diligent in their approach to life in the UK and are undoubtedly taking advantage of the scheme. It's a horrible situation to be in for anyone to lose their home and have to leave their country and we were right to be generous to Ukrainians. But not more generous than we are to other groups, wherever they come from. I work with asylum seekers, refugees and people in immigration detention and it makes me uncomfortable to see the gaping chasm between what they experience and what Ukrainians have been (rightly) offered.