The value of a seedling is not equivalent to the value of a tree.

Indeed, but five plus three does equal eight.

The tree must be the same appearance, so this can take decades to grow and then you have to transport it without damaging its roots and then you have 50% chance it will not die. If it fails to grow you have to repeat it until it is brought to a state before cutting.

Trees make pine cones that beget other trees. Thinning a young forest is a step that is sometimes needed. Seedlings are replanted into the harvested land directly so this risk of death due to root shock isn't really an issue unless the seedlings are intentionally abused.

But if you cut a mature tree it needs to be replaced with a tree of similar age, not a seedling. That's the whole point why it can be a so expensive mistake.