The only thing that makes a hammer-on a hammer-on, and a pull-off a pull-off is three things.
1.) It is not picked with your right/ picking hand
2.) Generally more force is applied, to produce a clearer sound (especially during a hammer-on)
3.) A pull-off depending on the player and preference, might have a bit of a "yank" to it, to reiterate number 2 more
No such thing as cheating on the guitar really, if you discovered a way thats easier for you, then go with it!
If you are talking about picking during a legato run, then that's usually for rhythmical purposes, or maybe the person can't do the whole thing legato? Could be some more but its not really cheating, its just not played 100% legato.
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