Hermes can absolutely be S-tier.
But only if you ask: S-tier for WHAT? 🪽
If the job is pure coding, compare coding specialists.
If it’s deep research, compare research systems.
But if you want an agent that can:
→ keep working on your PC/server
→ use tools and browse
→ run scheduled jobs
→ handle multi-step workflows
→ stay available beyond one chat session
Hermes starts looking very different.
That’s why one giant AI-agent tier list misses the point.
Hermes isn’t trying to win every category.
It gets interesting when you want a real operator, not just a single-purpose assistant.
Pick the job first. Then pick the agent.
For persistent agent work, Hermes belongs near the top of the conversation.
Which category should we test Hermes against next?