Thanks, Phil. Not being a Spektrum user, I was not sure what I was supposed to infer from the link you posted...all gobbledegook to me.
As for innovation? Yes, they brought us 2.4G which is great, but others have taken their idea and improved upon it no end. I've been following the various Spektrum threads for years and watched their employees and fanboys argue that their system was flawless and that it was the end-user's ignorance that caused all the brown-outs and crashes.
...I don't think they are an innovative company any more...
And back on topic, others produced telemetry and voice alerts a long time before Spektrum and they took a while catching up. Their latest offerings appear to be very well produced and aimed at the masses. I would, and have, recommended the DX6 as the ideal starter radio because of its price, capabilities and simplicity of use. And once you've bought into the Spektrum brand it makes sense to stick with it unless you have a real need for something that they do not offer.