Satoshi was a scientist.
Namecoin was a failed hypothesis.
Discussion
I agree, and actually name coin merge mining idea was used to build the Rootstock bitcoin sidechain and develop Blockstream sidechain white paper.
So sometimes shitcoins can provide value and innovation which can help make bitcoin better.
Didn't know that, but it makes sense.
You might be interested in learning back story here:
https://medium.com/iovlabs-innovation-stories/modern-merge-mining-f294e45101a0