Particularly as his past relates to Bob Terzuola's and even Kit Carson's, Blade is correct in identifying Ernie's contributions to knife evolution. It is unrealistic and unfortunate, though, for people to expect Ernie (or anyone) to lead in innovation and design improvement indefinitely.
Newer minds, newer designs, newer materials will always mark human endeavors, and that is definitely the case with folders! When Ryan mentioned "STRIDERS" earlier, he's stating what is obvious: the Strider line of folders steps into the 21st century in terms of design, reliability, and performance standards where Emerson folders are state-of-the-art 1993. Ernie has emulated some of those steps with his HMMV-K knife of the year, although its a limited edition production piece.
Randall's knives defined tac knives for many in the 60's, yet still engender lots of interest, sales, and discussion today. It is exactly the same with Emerson's knives - lots of interest, sales, and discussion in them, even as the standard is carried higher and faster by those who stand on the shoulders of their predecesors. I, for one, can't wait to see the future they will wrought.
