And yet both have the same outcome. One is compelled at great ost to oneself to comply or otherwise suffer greater, possibly terminal (for that case) future harm.

I'm sorry, but no, I don't buy your assertion. Being in a position of power over someone or something and dropping a line like that is as good as an outright threat of violence, no matter how badly people don't want others to consider it as such because it makes their lives easier, and conscience lighter.