Why Do We Measure AI Progress by What It Can Replace, Rather Than What It Enables Humans to Do?

A discussion questions why AI progress is often framed by what it can replace, rather than its potential to augment human capabilities. Referencing Douglas Engelbart's 1962 work, "Augmenting Human Intellect," the argument is made that true augmentation involves increasing a person's ability to solve complex problems by combining humans, tools, language, methods, and training. The query seeks examples where AI has genuinely expanded human capabilities beyond merely accelerating existing skills.