IMO this analysis gets caught up looking for answers in process when the real problem that DARPA solves is a political-economic one.

ATT didn't invent the internet not for lack of process, they were extremely innovative. They held back on innovations because they were making huge sums of money overcharging long distance mainframe-mainframe data link rates in the 50's-70's. DARPA succeeded as a trust buster.

They have the resources and legality to make whatever they want, regardless of patents (because National Security/patent law). They can make technology a reality, then develop political support with working prototypes. They build things to show how the Government is getting screwed over by some giant defense corp, because of a lack of competition in certain types of contracts.

I think they are becoming less relevant because the corporate-political landscape is becoming more trust-based.

I think maybe the person you're talking to knows more about this than, say, the average HN commenter.

Same way our jetpacks were accepted. Our stall speed is zero and with an engine out we can still control our flight path.

What are you talking about? DHH and 37signals provide a lot to the conversation, including differing points of view.

If having a different opinion means "contributing nothing positive" then we've fallen a long, long way.

Edit: fixed grammar.