The "different category" argument means "don't bring that up, it is a different bin in my brain".
If you compare the 139 with the 609 (same engines, same basic empty weight) and simply ask them both to hover at the same power-limited atmosphere, you will find they are indeed in "different categories" since the 139 whomps the 609 payload, to about the same ratios I mention. Comparing a 609 doing near running takeoffs to a 139 that can hover on one engine wins the
PR bet with the lay public, but leaves helicopter professionals laughing.