I am not conflating Dutch territories with friendly neutrals. They are indeed different types of territories, with many different rules. However, the procedure for claiming control of both types of territories is exactly the same, even though the conditions under which it may be done are different. I am merely applying similar rules in a consistent manner.
My saying that air units are also defensive was in counter to your argument that AAA should count because it would “defend” the Dutch territory, and thus provide “guardianship”. My point was that if AAA were to be treated differently in Dutch territories than in claiming friendly neutrals for that reason, it would also stand to reason that air units would also be treated differently, as both could defend the territory. However, they are not.
As it stands, the procedure for claiming both Dutch territories and friendly neutrals requires moving a “land unit” into the territory in noncombat movement. In the case of friendly neutrals, AAA are explicitly exempted from that function. Since the procedure for claiming both types of territories is the same in every other way, it makes sense that AAA should be exempted for Dutch territories as well, for the same reasons. Not only does this apply the same principle in a similar situation, but it avoids a needless difference in the two procedures that players would need to be aware of.
I hope this helps you to understand my reasoning.