I'm criticizing the GPL as inconsistent because it draws lines haphazardously. That it is ok with the API but not with the distribution feels arbitrary and inconsistent to me.

The AGPL is elegantly precise - anything you do to the code becomes public.

The bad is elegantly precise - anything you do is fine.

GPL is complicated and inelegant - some things are fine while their near equivalent actions aren't.

Edited to clarify