I don’t see how you’re able to qualify “hard” or “harder”, in this sense. Using the same logic, if you eat more during that period of time, you can just as well stay content for longer, meaning you’re less likely to eat again, or as much the next time, if your level of physical activity hasn’t changed. Ultimately, it’s not so black and white.
You can alter what you choose to eat, the same way you can if you’re trying to lose weight. You can portion amounts to fulfill calorie needs, or conversely, in order to divert bouts of hunger throughout the day; either is a gradual process and your body will adapt. Again, a commitment to a change in lifestyle requires more effort than not, regardless of which direction it is. “Harder”, besides existing as a mostly negative mental construct, really becomes more of an excuse, as opposed to an actual obstacle in the path to a goal-- why? Because it’s not just eating that determines weight, but also how that energy is utilized (or not), among other factors of more or less bearing.
Why is so much stock being placed in which is more difficult? Everyone has a different attitude and physiology, so it will vary-- do what you can, within the circumstances.
You’ll lean out and won’t see the most potential, yes. But unless you place some sort of abnormal physical demand on your body, and balance your diet, you won’t establish an ideal in either case. It’s hand-in-hand, for the best results.