I think you are right. It like comparing a gravel fish bowl to a reef tank. Only now the cage is even healthier for the snake/fish.

I know this link does not have deep bio-active substrate but the cages are stunning and I am just impressed with the cages.

http://www.venomland.org/t1208-various-cage-settings-and-
inhabitants

And I get it breeders don't have the money for big nice cages...I am not a breeder.