They are oceans apart indeed, but the reason why I made the comparison is simple.
Fortunately (or unfortunately), Computers have become a commodity for many of us today, and except a few, no one wants a single computer to be their one size fits all solution for their computing needs
A few folks want their Mac Mini to act as their primary (or otherwise) desktop that can handle all their computing needs while still looking pretty, and that is perfectly fine
A vast majority of MM buyers however intend to use it as a simple multimedia player, a pretty looking media player for their HTPC at most (incl. I, my MM serves as the source for my living room audio rig)
Something that is capable of handling reasonably taxing media playback, while not being an eyesore in the living room
Now tell me how this isn't capable of being that?