Having experience in both "realms" I would say that's basically just semantics or maybe a kind of purist view which is fine as everybody is entitled to their opinion.
However, with AmpliTube and similar you are always sending a DI signal through multiple chains (stomps, amps, cabs, rack fx, etc) so it is basically the same just in the box. It is a really great way to remain flexible. Of course that can end up being flexible to a fault at times, analysis paralysis and all that but there are ways to train yourself to be a bit more focused in your workflow and even "print" tracks by freezing/rendering them.
Anyway, more than you probably wanted to read there but that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it