It's hardly surprising in the information age along with the rise in relative wealth over time. The same can be said for remote beaches once "discovered" by colonists now overrun by tourism and the uncharted south pole now frequented with daily visitors on passing yachts and cruise ships. American pioneers going west was once seen as an achievement, now you could fly across it in a couple of hours with your feet up and your eyes closed while getting served champagne. I don't think it makes the original attempt less impressive. But the difference is that we are fascinated with those that go where no person has gone before, the person who courageously goes against the grain. The followers are impressive in effort only, not in thought and originality.