Analogies are usually exaggerated to prove a point. While mine isn’t 1:1, I still don’t think you are correct.

I don’t see how using someone else’s program means this image is “not their work”. He used a tool, to do a job. It takes skills to use that tool.

Yes, anyone can theoretically learn how to do things like this, but anyone can also learn how to play the flute.

Building on your adjustment to my analogy, I’d say that maybe rather than having a robot play the music you have selected, this would be more like writing the music yourself. Not something anyone can do with ease.

The fact that you think these two images are anywhere near the same quality is conclusive proof that any opinions you have on Astrophotography as whole are likely completely worthless.

So your saying… if you learn to play the flute, well actually you’ve done nothing, because I doubt you built that flute with your bare hands.