The network was built because engineers figured out how to build it (with out routers and switches bursting into flames handling all the traffic).

So the system was built and post facto people started coming up with stories and use cases for the system.

Once the stories and use cases start getting coherent, people start saying ok I like this feature or that, but I don't like everything else that comes with this system, can I get the features without all the other crap.

And the answer is yes. There is no technical reason you can't. So the "old internet" is probably destined to die.