six of one and half a dozen of another; preoccupied with superficial differences
A yojijukugo derived from a Chinese fable about a monkey keeper who offered three acorns in the morning and four in the evening, then four in the morning and three in the evening, fooling the monkeys. Used to describe someone who is caught up in trivial differences without realizing the outcome is the same.
The discussion was nothing but six of one and half a dozen of another, and the essential issue was left behind.
His proposal is merely a superficial change; it won't lead to any real improvement.