In cases where the two are different, perhaps. But optimizing for humans is actually a core part of SEO.
Step 1. Find what people are searching for.
Step 2. Provide content that meets their search criteria.
Result: You have optimized for humans.
Obviously there are other ways of optimizing for humans. Some of those ways might even bring greater returns. But you don't necessarily have to choose between SEO and those other ways. The optimum strategy is usually to pursue both when possible.
Sure, but SEO has little to do with that anymore (heck I could be a SEO consultant if that was the case. All I had to do was to say "use accurate and descriptive titles containing the words the user searches for, ban flash, provide descriptions of all your images) these days most of what they do is find and abuse slight flaws so they get to rank just a little higher, for just a little while.
Step 1. Find what people are searching for.
Step 2. Provide content that meets their search criteria.
Result: You have optimized for humans.
Obviously there are other ways of optimizing for humans. Some of those ways might even bring greater returns. But you don't necessarily have to choose between SEO and those other ways. The optimum strategy is usually to pursue both when possible.