For What it's Worth....
Human nature is kind of Lazy...
It takes a guy, for eg like Yates to kind of "Raise the Bar".
Then, everyone sees whats possible and meets the new challenge.
Whether ya like PLing or not, Bench & Squat is a Similar perfect example...
1st guy hits 1000lb and it aint long till more do. (Fred,Gene, Scott)
Once that Psychological barrier is shattered, its clearly possible.
Then stuff can progress in a good leap, and then again stagnate till some smart boy figure out something new.