as much as와 as ~ as 원급 비교 차이가 궁금해요

Visitors to the special exhibition are asked to leave their bags at the counter as much to protect the displays as to ensure a pleasant experience for all.
여기서 as much to protect the displays 대신 much를 빼고 as to protect the displays라고 써도 뜻이 같나요?
as much as가 들어가는 경우와 원급 비교의 as ~ as가 쓰이는 경우에 어떤 차이가 있는지 궁금합니다.