I am late to the thread (as always!
) but as usual, I have some definite ideas about the lack of innovation. I think part of it is just human nature. Both end users and makers get in a comfort zone and tend to move from innovation to production method improvements and then to the cost factor.
I was actively involved in the firearms industry as it pertained to my profession of law enforcement. The number of innovations that industry saw for almost a full century in the 1900's was arguably non-existent. Even today, with the exception of the way the ammunition is made and the materials used in the weapons construction, there has very little changed in over a century.
John Browning was a notable exception in that he was nefver satisfied with his designs. He constantly sought to improve their function and reliability as well as create new and more efficient models but again, he was an exception to the rule.
The same could be said for the automotive industry where innovation only came when after fossil fuels were recognized as harmful to the environment but the real driving factor it seems was that there was realized a true end of the resources to make the fuel.
I point a finger at myself first but I think we as humans are lazy as to innovations. If something works, why try to make it better unless there is a true financial reward for doing so. But thankfully we do have the Imeo's of the world who are not happy with the status quo.
You know there is always a better way to do things and you are never satisfied with your designs feeling there has to be a better way or a better function. I think that is one reason so many people love the GG series. It fights against the trends of being happy with the way things already are.
Although I haven't the skill or means to create anything better, I do feel there is a simple saying that applies to this discussion. You are either moving forward or backwards. There is no standing still. If you are innovating, you are moving forward. If you are satisfied with things as they are as time moves on, then you are moving backwards for time waits for no man.
Sorry for the wall of text but just my 2 cents.
