As for an equal() method, I think that adding equal() which is different than the existing __eq__() would be a source of confusion. I also think using it wouldn't add anything, and would be less clear, compared to font1.actual() == font2.actual().

I'm definitely not happy with the existing __eq__() though, and think it would be worth discussing changing __eq__() to use self.actual() == other.actual() rather than just comparing names. That should be a separate issue, though - you're welcome to create one!