Does Boeing have to give credit to the Wright Brothers or ATT have to thank Bell or GM to Ford for the modern assembly line hasnt magic gone a bit over the top

Well, It'd be more akin to Boeing implying they invented flight/the airplane.

I don't think anyone has gone "too far." In magic, it really seems to be a matter of respect.
Also, seeing as how there is no IP protection in magic from any "government," It must be pretty impressive to some, especially if others think crediting et al may have gone "too far."

We honor our own; and most people want credit (or cash) for their achievements.

It's pretty simple when you think about it.

For me, the Golden Rule justifies it enough. But when studying, knowing the lineage is helpful in backtracking what has already been figured out.

I think there's a relevant distinction between art and business here.

To be a good magician you have to be a good historian.

-Ricky Jay

I think!

:)

I'd go with the platinum rule.

But, as Josh is saying, it is not just for those being credited, but for those doing the crediting, as well as those who will read/hear the crediting.

That is, it is in your own best interest to credit, and credit well. Not just for your own learning, but it will benefit those learning from you, assuming we are talking about crediting in a release. The better job you do for your customers, in turn, the more they will return, so again, it is in your own interests. Also there is the fact that, as Lee Asher puts it, if you don't credit who you learn from, who will be likely to credit you in the future?

As a matter of fact Boeing does give a nod to the Wright Brothers, AT&T was started by Bell so, yeah, they absolutely acknowledge him, Ford also gets credit for the assembly line. I think you tried to make a point but missed with your examples.

One could take the opposite tact and point out that we have a long published record of card assembly routines using gaffs called everything but a variation on Hofzinser's Power of Faith. His routine includes the line about choosing one's King and has the Kings (or Jacks/Knaves in another version in his Card Conjuring) assembling into a pile chosen by the volunteer.

What I want to know is who gets the credit for tabling the ace of spades and calling it the master ace.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this treatment of the rising rope was developed by Nebesh Shepsut in Egypt in 2486 BC, with improvements by Hardeen and David Copperfield ... do I hear snoring out there? You, sir, come back! There will be more tricks as soon as I give proper credit!"

Aside from a presentation for magic historians or perhaps for newbies at a special event... what would motivate a performer to have a "History Channel" type presentation, especially when discussing what's relevant in detail could compromise the routine's climax if not the method as well?

Perhaps one could have such a character proffering entirely fictitious history of a sort where the rope was passed down from teacher to student at a certain time in their education in magic, and your intent is to share feelings about learning to do that particular feat of magic.