Good post. You break down the biggest problem people have when they follow people, the problem, that they cannot recreate the exact same sequence. However, I believe people are also doing the wrong things when they follow someone. For example, if you follow the ideas of Warren Buffet you will be probably be better of, but you can't expect to become a billionaire just by following what he does. But then again, if you understand what his message is and successfully apply it to your own life you will most likely make more money than you otherwise would, with continuing the same way you always have (if you are not "successful"). Taking things too literally, however, will lead you to failing. You cannot recreate the same environment that another person had.

It can also be a bit misleading to say that life is about luck, well yes to some degree. But say you are born into a western family where things are ok. You have the ability to do great things with the help of other people. Again, just don't think that you should do everything they did. Understand what their main asset was and try to do that. If it was luck, forget it.

Just my two cents :)