Well, I'm not certain you are absolutely correct about that. If you slice a model with the machine set to 0.4mm, and the line width to 1.0mm, you will get a different time estimate than if they were both set to 1.0mm. I confirmed that again in Cura just before posting.
But if you are certain that the end result is identical, then hey, i can live with that.
The new Cura is a leap forward in a big way.
Two important features are missing for me however: single layer view and retractions. For some of the prints I do this makes a difference to the design itself.