I understand your point and I love the Sex Pistols, but I still think you're overestimating them. The Ramones were a far better band, much more significant as well, and they started it all with the Punk movement.
There would be no Sex Pistols without the Ramones. So if you're going to dismiss The Smiths because of Joy Division, you can also do the same with the Pistols in comparing them to the Ramones. And yes, you could do it to every single band on earth
And while I do agree that some bands are more significant than others, and that the Smiths have been influenced by Joy Division, The Smiths have also influenced a LOT of bands that came after and much of the "indie" rock of the 90's.
Bands are influenced and bands influence others - some more, some less - and The Smiths and The Cure, to speak of two mentioned in this thread, were also highly influential.
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