You don't change the world with a marginally better mousetrap 18 years ago
I think you can be a marginally better mousetrap if the ones that already exist aren't quite "good enough". If there's a need for a better one, and you fill that need, there might be success if you play your cards right.
In an arena without a need for a better mousetrap though you are going up against already established competition, because they are already "good enough". People rarely go looking for better when they have good enough. :)