You are right, nothing is preventing a pedal user to apply the same force to the brake as a controller user. The way the pedal interact with the user ( lack of feel and feedback ) is what hinders most wheel users to have high BB, which I have tested to have shorter stopping distance due to more force applied.
I did thorough tests a while ago, using ABS:1 to remove inconsistency. BB 0/0, 5/5, 10/10 full brake force applied until full stop, all reflect the stopping distance lessening with higher total values of BB. I did it at SSRX with Corvette and SH tires.
And to top that, my experience when I used low BB number when driving without ABS, I have a hard time out braking ABS drivers who have usual BB like 5/3 or 7/5. I did also raced with no ABS drivers who uses low BB 3/0, 4/1, still struggling with similar low BB, then I increase the BB to 8/4 then 9/5, only then I begin to able consistently brake as deep and late as most ABS drivers, and often out brake them mostly during shuffle races.
The last time I have a wheel for console was when I played GT3 on PS2, I had the cheap Madcatz wheels if not mistaken, it was very basic and broke within 6 months