sidebar: Sorry, but the Wright brothers had no serious contenders. They invented the science of aerodynamics and control of a lifting wing. There were other dreamers pushing forward, but no one actually performing the scientific and engineering core research that enabled them to get off the ground. The Wrights did the deep work, they invented practical heavier than air flight. If you have other facts, please state who the other contenders were who almost beat them.
The above is a factual issue; it does not mean I agree or don't agree with your point about the 'steam engine effect.'
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