Are light crossbows and repeating light crossbows classified as the same for feats like Rapid Reload and Weapon Focus?
Meaning, if you take Rapid Reload: light crossbow, does it affect repeating light crossbows as well?
I would say yes for weapon focus, but for rapid reload I don't know. I don't think it allows you to reload the clip faster since it is a full round action to change it out. The idea behind the clip is so that you don't need rapid reload, and the rapid reload feat by RAW does not apply to the clip only actual ammunition.
I would try to convince the GM to allow you to reload the clip by one lesser action if you do take rapid reload, otherwise you are just better off with rapid reload and a regular light crossbow.
It seems to be something that you really would want to talk to your dm about.
If It was my game I would go ahead and rule in your favor. There is no difference in function besides the "repeating"
Kinda like firing a shotgun. Auto or single shell. it is essentially the same weapon and all the same mechanics would apply to fire it.
.... slippery slope i know..
Looking at the rules again, I would drop it down to a move action for a heavy repeater, or a free action for a light repeater, but since you can load a light crossbow with free action anyway that kills the need to waste a proficiency feat on the repeating version unless I missed something. I would just reskin it as a repeater.