I don't think the tools work in the sasme way. I've not been able to find any gradient libraries for Illustrator. Have you tried the gradient mesh tool? That seems to give you more control over the appearance and placement of gradients. It's really frustrating to get used to and it's kind of time consuming, but the effects are amazing. I found the portfolio of Yukio Miyamoto. CHeck out what he can do with blends and meshes:
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