‘Ornithopter’ also isn’t a term Herbert invented. It’s an actual word for an aircraft that flaps its wings to fly, like an animal. So he’s really complaining about the presence of 'thopters. Different propulsion techs for different situations makes a lot of sense, though; it’s not like VTOL jets made helicopters obsolete even though they’re superficially a superior option.
‘Ornithopter’ also isn’t a term Herbert invented. It’s an actual word for an aircraft that flaps its wings to fly, like an animal. So he’s really complaining about the presence of 'thopters. Different propulsion techs for different situations makes a lot of sense, though; it’s not like VTOL jets made helicopters obsolete even though they’re superficially a superior option.