Just because SRAM doesnt cater specifically to you (looking for electronic and 11 speed shifting) doesnt mean they havent created their own niche and place in the market.

They seem to have the mid-range pricepoint covered with OEM bikes that come in full Rival and apex groups rather than shimano mismatched FSA stuff and tektro brakes.

I ride both shimano and SRAM. My DA 7800 shifts smooth and flawlessly.... but then again, I race Rival and havent had to adjust anything or misshift in 2 years.

As far as advancement, wasnt it SRAM that introduced the 2x10 MTB scene with shimano to follow? Also, apex and their long cage derailleurs basically made triple cranksets obsolete as well as having separate triple shifters. It also made it possible to run a wider cassette for those mountain stages and hill climb races.

I think SRAM has made an extraordinary impact on the cycling world in just a matter of a few years....