I think that the reliance on the ancient internet ideas is some kind of security blanket but could also help newbies with familiarity to get onboard. I would much rather see some innovation that approaches some of the real issues we face though.

Yet I see so many still being awesome, and when I look at them closely: they're smart, motivated, driven to succeed types... and some days that's all I see.

There only ever needs (and likely only will be) a small percentage of activated visionaries as they discover and create, the next ring will adopt and it will spiral outward. Find them, support them.