The difference with cat is that at least it is looks nicer in some cases. For example, if I want to put the input file at the start of the pipeline, the cat-less version looks weird and confusing.
<file1 somecmd >file2
I wish that shells would just optimize the useless cat behind the scenes, so I could use it without soliciting complaints :)
it's a short walk from shells that optimize "known commands" to signed apps and an ecosystem you can't contribute to unless you've paid the appropriate gatekeeper
