As much as compares two things as the same (uncountable) quantity or amount. In this case it is saying that the two it's appearing seem alike. It was originally the first phrase in English which refers to circumstances. In the second it which is like a prison. It's like prison experience.

I am attracted by your article “The implied although" By Michael Ewing, as your story is so good. An idea can also be a but, or an even if being omitted.

With although: Although

(the circumstances) look as much as (being in prison) to me personally, I feel desperately compelled to remind you that we are in fact not in prison.

With but :

(The circumstances) look as much as (being in prison) to me personally, but I feel desperately compelled to remind you that we are in fact not in prison.

Although the circumstances seem

as much as (being in a prison) to me personally, I fell desperately compelled to remind YOU that we are actually not in prison.

Why can’t some people see the point of any “grace” in the world?