The major difference is DR changes frame data and wave dash doesn't, so I get that it's not 1 to 1. But ultimately they are mechanics so foundational to the systems they exist in that NOT using them is a massive glass ceiling for intermediate level players.
Drive rush is way easier to utilize well than wavedashing. You basically get nothing from raw wavedashes into xxx even back when I was good around 2008-12 and especially not now lol.
I dont really think drive rush separates anything atm. Some characters have insane ones some others are meh. I suppose if you can punish it defensively that would be a barometer of levels but even at the top level as you saw last night its pretty impossible to do anything against kens consistently as he can jab out of it checking anything, grab, or dragon lash.
Angry bird was really good with mixing it up, i dont think there is anyone option beyond a reversal that will do will the options out of DR ken has.