Actually, it's massively relevant. People seem to assume that it's a straight binary switch between how X is perceived to work across a network today (which usually bears no relation to fact), or the very specific implementations of VNC/RDP and its extensions. Rather than having a third choice of a new protocol which does efficient compressed transfer of client-rendered images (yes, like VNC/RDP), but without necessarily being rooted or limited by any of the gripes people have with VNC/RDP.
If you don't believe me, go look at every other comment on this article.