McIntosh Amp Ratings

Does the Autoformer design of Mc amps allow them to rate their amps at higher watts than competative designs? They are one of the few using this design so I would think if it really was great, others would copy.

Is a 250 watt Mc actually comparable to a 125 watt other amp (which would double to 250 @ 4ohm) since most amps are rated at 8ohms?

Don't get me wrong. I own some Mc gear and love it but have wondered if they have clung to this for the spec wars.