They aren't the same in any meaningful way.

One has to be micromanaged, the other doesn't.

The Do X Times command needs to be refreshed. Do until X does not. One requires additional input, and the other doesn't. How is that functionally the same?

That's like arguing that using automation is functionally the same as not using automation. It's technically true if you're okay with micromanaging it and you really massage your definition of the word 'fuinctionally', but it's absolutely not the same thing.

I can't tell if people are just intentionally missing the point because they don't like anything that might possibly be interpreted as criticism of the game, but these are very clearly two different functions, and anyone with even elementary experience in logistics should be able to see that.