What mechanical realization is identified as the core technological leap defining modern cycling performance over friction control?

Answer

The positive stop for cable actuation

The core leap was transitioning from needing to feel the correct tension (friction) to being able to hear and feel a positive engagement (indexing) via a mechanical stop.

What mechanical realization is identified as the core technological leap defining modern cycling performance over friction control?
inventiontechnologymechanismbicycleshifter