IANAL the difference is not in recording the transaction among those directly involved, but rather the aggregate collection of specifics as data and the uninter

IANAL the difference is not in recording the transaction among those directly involved, but rather the aggregate collection of specifics as data and the uninterrupted collection of specifics as data, over time, passed on somewhat indefinitely, and with imperfect knowledge of all of that by all involved. Not to mention that the participant, a person not a consumer, has no control or say so.