Since the grounded (white) and grounding (green/bare) wires are electrically
connected at the panel - both are attached to the same
bus - why is it significant if they are also connected together downstream
from the panel. In theory, they will both be at the same
potential (ground) due to the panel connection.


If this branch circuit originated from the panel with the main bonding jumper
and they were on the same bus that would be technically true but if it was from
a sub panel where grounds and neutral are separate, there would be neutral
current flowing in the ground. There is also a violation when you parallel
small conductors but I won't kick that tar baby here.
Since 1996 neutrals and grounds are not supposed to be confused in receptacles.
The range and dryer exception went away then. They decided WWII was finally
over.