Is it worth to applaud innovations that are no improvement over established technology?
Yes, George did something new. But was it really an improvement? If any director switched to digital early because of Lucas and ended up with a movie that looks worse than it could be, had it been shot on film, then Lucas did a disservice to the industry.
This can often be the case with ‘innovation’, as well as any ‘invention’ really. A breaking of the eggs to make an omelette scenario. So what if the first front wheel drive Oldsmobile or first air conditioner was not a smash success, ultimately they got people thinking and moving in different, new directions which can be what innovation is really all about–inspiring others to venture into unknown territory. Kind of like Ridley Scott and his approach to Alien after the revelation that was Star Wars…