Diffusion of Innovation theory
Which is, as you state, a theory. Stockton Rush was very firmly in the innovators field and look how well that worked out.
I am all for advancement of technology but if I'm going to strap myself and my family into an aircraft, it will have to be well proven before I do.
If you want the 'He wouldn't listen as he always knew better' epitaph then please enjoy the ride on the left side of the curve - me? I'm happy in the middle thanks.
Progress at any cost isn't progress, it's Darwinism.