IIRC, ratcheting shifters do not work the same way mechanically as retrofriction shifters do with the retrofriction shifters providing an actual counter balance spring to go against the derailleur tension springs while ratcheting shifters only provided a tactile feedback with it's clicking feel to the rider, not assisting the action of the levers as retrofriction shifters do. The tactile feedback made it easier for the rider to finesse/adjust the derailleur shifts while riding. Retrofrictions also made it easier to finesse/adjust shifts in a different manner by substantially lessening the effort to move the shifting levers so micro adjustments to shifts is easy to do.
That's why retrofrictions that came after ratcheting systems, were considered so revolutionary/superior by riders and the bicycling industry. It was the next step after ratcheting systems.

Chombi
84 Peugeot PSV