For me, it's a bit too vague in the information to say if it's cheating or not. Like the Bach-example, or many other composers: To right from the beginning say "Nah, why bother using real legato when there is pedal" is a very bad habit. In some halls, the use of pedal will make it sound really bad. It also changes the color, and you should stay away from that. One should have as much options as possible, when you are in the mastering stage. If you then chose to have pedal, Because of the color, it's perfectly fine.
About the left pedal: If your teacher wanted you to practice your touch, then you should stay away from the left pedal. If I had a student, to whom I told to don't use the left pedal, but kept using it, I would probably be a bit upset.
This is all only my opinions, and you don't have to agree...