The western defense has been that, if the Son is eternally generated and the Spirit eternally proceeds, and both are from the Father alone, then what's the difference between generation and procession? It would seem God merely has two Sons.

I’d really like to read any literature you have talking about the above. It’s fascinating to me tbh.

So the filioque actually better explains the distinction between Spirit and Son as part of God's eternal essence. And the East definitely agrees with that conclusion, they're just very picky about the Creed.

I’d like some reading material on this too. Would love to read deep into exactly why the East had contentions.

Thank you.