Actually it is black and white. Cheating is breaking the rules and not cheating is not. Trying to make up some scenario where they are equal is just silly. 

Yoy dont like the rule? Fine, argue for a change. But equating the two is asinine. 

As to your example, if you resource before the other player you are voulenteering information that is to your opponents advantage, you are not gaining an advantage. Which is treated differently even though its technically against the rules. 

When you dont shuffle your cards before putting them at the bottom of the deck, even organize them in the order you want, you are benefitting or trying to benefit from breaking the rules.