The useful question is not whether one optimizer is universally better. It is which information the loop receives, what each acquisition costs, and whether the method can make a complete decision before the operating point moves.
The measurement is part of the algorithm.
On physical hardware, an objective evaluation is not a free function call. It can be a batch of quantum shots, an optical scan, a cloud task, or minutes of instrument time. Methods that look similar in iteration count separate when their acquisition bill is made explicit.
The complete loop must fit inside the deadline.
The configuration is not disposable. Carrying it forward preserves useful context between rounds. The IQM campaign validated the resulting advantage against hypotheses fixed before the run.
Fit is decided on the real interface.
Readout structure, timing, and target visibility determine whether the layer fits. The final answer comes from a fair race on the actual plant.