Quite.
I would say, though, that the difference between causal and contributory factors is fairly insignificant when all that is left of you is a couple of front teeth and 6" of lower intestine; following a high-speed encounter with terrain.
It IS important that ATC procedures are designed, and applied, with the lowest common denominator in mind: i.e. the pilot who does NOT take responsibility for his/her own terrain separation - the importance of good two-way communication in both the planning and operational stages is something that I do not underestimate, believe me..
It's still important to recognise those responsibilities which remain ours, even if we obtain assistance in discharging them.