I don't think it's that he doesn't dare compare, I think it's that he doesn't give a toss.
Luke Skywalker hero worships his father when he learns about him. Kirk is more cautious. He doesn't hero-worship anyone easily. He's always known who his father was and what he did.
Pike doesn't reel him in by telling him how wonderful his father was (that approach fails), he does it by effectively telling him to outdo his dad, rather than live up to his dad. To a personality like Kirk's there's a big difference.
(PS. I'm not in the least bothered by the hair style! I didn't expect a clone of Shatner)
Re: a chip off the old block?
Luke Skywalker hero worships his father when he learns about him. Kirk is more cautious. He doesn't hero-worship anyone easily. He's always known who his father was and what he did.
Pike doesn't reel him in by telling him how wonderful his father was (that approach fails), he does it by effectively telling him to outdo his dad, rather than live up to his dad. To a personality like Kirk's there's a big difference.
(PS. I'm not in the least bothered by the hair style! I didn't expect a clone of Shatner)