No it is not more complicated. It's just very different. In my homeland Belgium, where Coticules come from, most stores that sell straight razors sell only one type of sharpening tool: Coticules. It is considered the tool for sharpening razors around here. In the US, it seems that for the past decade, a similar place was taken by the Norton 4K/8K synthetic water hone. (The Norton was originally made in the US, while Coticules are mined in Belgium - maybe that is part of the reason for these different "standards").
Either way, there is not only an ocean in between Belgium and the US, but also an ocean of difference between how both tools can be successfully put to use for sharpening razors. The methods for synthetic water hones fail on a Coticule, and the methods for using a Coticule are ridiculous on synthetic water hones.
When it comes to the actual quality of the shave, it is completely unpredictable what will work best for your beard/skin combination, but I believe it is only a concern, if you would become a shave-aficionado (as many of us here on SRP). Both options, as many others, are fully capable of putting a well-performing edge on a straight razor.
I believe it is far more important to ask yourself what type of person you are. Coticules have a character of their own. No two are alike. Some people resent that, others love that kind of uniqueness. Nortons need soaking, Coticules don't (there are synthetics that resuire no soaking as well). Some hones require constant lapping, others don't. Some hones do a fast job, others (like Coticules) require more patience.
My advice is to buy what goes with your temperament and general mindset, and stick with your choice till you can get great shaves off your home-honed razors. Both options are more than capable of that.
Best regards,
Bart.