You're mischaracterizing the issue. Autopilot should be monitored but it can go for long stretches without manual intervention (as if fully automatic). Mere cruise control, on the other hand, requires manual steering.

You're just trying to make them sound similar, e.g. "if used properly" or "both can be abused". But there is an ocean of difference. It is vastly easier to ignore a system that is capable of driverless operation for long periods of time.