'... Justin clearly proves you don't need an original idea to get buzz, sponsors, and funding ...'
Very true. I think the commercial worlds just seen a glimpse of Stephensons gargoyles [0] and blinked at the possibilities.
Reference
[0] Neil Stephenson, 'Snow Crash contained Gargoyles that where constantly wired for sound, images and other sensors selling the information to the highest bidder.'
Justin clearly proves you don't need an original idea to get buzz, sponsors, and funding. Execution and timing can take you far.