The difference is that tools can be replaced (some more easily than others), whereas getting rid of intermediaries is usually quite harder.
A similar discussion arises when comparing marketing channels. On Instagram, companies have to pay to reach their followers, but an email newsletter bypasses that. It doesn't matter if a tool like Mailchimp is used to help with that, as it can be replaced anytime.
A similar discussion arises when comparing marketing channels. On Instagram, companies have to pay to reach their followers, but an email newsletter bypasses that. It doesn't matter if a tool like Mailchimp is used to help with that, as it can be replaced anytime.