That is really not the same at all, because in order to look at contributions I would first have to keep track of which users I want to look at . Which is precisely what this feature would do for me.

As a veteran user who sometimes has to deal with problematic editors, usually new editors, I would find this a valuable tool. Misuse is always a possibility, so that is not a reason to refrain from creating a good tool. Misuse of this tool should simply be sanctioned, just as we do in all kind of cases of misuse of tools.