I don't know about others, but I'd be splitting some pretty fine hairs to be able to distinguish these three examples of the two words' definitions, "focus" and "gather":

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1. to bring together into one group, collection, or place


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2. to bring together or assemble from various places, sources


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8. to concentrate


(from dictionary.com)

But while I don't especially like the term, in part I suppose because it does get used in a deceptive manner sometimes, it isn't really inaccurate either when used appropriately.

That said, I don't especially care much for high light "focusing" or "gathering" scopes as much as I appreciate scopes which are compact and fit more closely to the rifle. IOW, I don't do 50mm stuff - but have no problem with those who choose to.

I guess one question I have is, "Would it be more or less confusing to say that one scope focuses light better, while another focuses the image better?" (Better definition)

Sometimes, the air you 'let in'matters less than the air you 'let out'.