I won’t call you misguided, nor am I meaning to start an argument, but here are a few other things Campy innovated:
*Ball bearings in brake/shift levers
*Grease ports in hubs
*Manufacured complete wheels and rims before Shimano, and used their own ideas, to boot
*Arguably had the first chrono sub-gruppo ( tri-sized chain rings, levers, bar end shifters, though I admit Shimano has a much cooler chainring)
Now, not to stir the pot, but the low-end Shimano STI lever is more similar to a Campy lever (in operation) than their very own STI units in 105 and higher.
I think Campy executed their dual pivot brakes a lot better than Shimano, and the Campy brake levers are a lot better.
Also, a properly adjusted, lubed,and maintained Campy BB or headset will roll better than any Shimano BB or headset.
I will not take away any of Shimano’s innovations, as they have had many of them. I personally think that Shimano has fallen a bit behind with their over-concentration on their (licensed from Rolf Prima) wheels. This will end up being corrected in 2004 (new Dura Ace), for certain.
Industries can go through highly innovative and stagnant phases. Shimano and Campy both have gone through this over the years.
As far as mountain bikes- what are they? (just kidding)
I run Shimano, as they have basically become the industry standard. But my Dura Ace rear mech is getting old. My Corima is itching for some real quality componentry. I like my Shimano, as well. You can’t go wrong with either.