Again, there are very obvious differences. I'm sorry subtly is not obvious to you. You can tell by looking at the previews, and render. One is following displacement, one is using fuzzy zone, and does not. Displacement is not just the altitude of the wave, but it's detail. You should not be arguing this as something to use over something else, but a different method, with a different result. It's basic. Not to mention disrespectful to someones tutorial, or question asked to them.
First screenshot is from one of my files, second is yours.
They're entirely different approaches, with different results.
You're also forgetting how masks work in general based on contrast, what's brighter is more solid, and what is not, is not. We're also applying foam on no real waves, but default settings.