I agree that it is not a true backdoor, but I am simply pointing out that the goal is accomplished by hoarding 0-days or creating an actual backdoor.

The 0-day you were not reporting gave you escalated access to iOS devices. If Apple had given you a backdoor, you would have had the exact same access to the device.

Not saying its the same thing, which is why I used "de facto". The government just wants the access. Regardless the hole is intentional or unintentional, if a hole exists, then overall security is weakened