You have missed the point. The things we take for granted today started small and evolved from there; we have merely added a lot of superstructure to the underlying bedrock foundations envisaged by these select pioneers. All the application layer protocols and technologies utilizing them can be replaced as the fad changes (eg. distributed Objects vs. distributed web) but these core concepts/ideas/technologies will always remain and hence needs to be acknowledged. The situation is analogous to the building of great Architectural Marvels; even though a lot of folks with different skill sets are actually responsible for the manifestation, it is usually the "Architect(s)" who are credited with the achievement because it is the keeping of the holistic design together through its evolution is what is actually the key.

Maxwell didn't envision electric guitars, either. That doesn't mean Les Paul is equal to him.

We honor the people who first develop something, because, by definition, they're out there without much, if any support. Improving something once it's there is much easier and safer. If you fail, hey -- the original thing is still there.

On the other hand, if you're the type to whom everything is obvious once you see it, then I can understand how it might all seem equal to you.