I definitely understand the argument that Richard was the person who paved the way for Survivor to evolve as we know it today, but I think the Tagi alliance as a whole were crucial in making the game 'a game'.

Richard was the integral part of the alliance and the main proponent because he was the person who eventually won, but the other three were pretty important too. Kelly acted as the perfect runner-up because she wanted to play an honest game, but the dynamic of the alliance prevented her from doing so and therefore she became an underdog. Her 'double-faced' ways were caught out by Sue Hawk who is legendary because of her bitter jury speech (though she was iconic based on her persona alone), which then went on to influence how the jury would work many times in the future. Rudy was the less signifcant counter-piece, but the alliance would not have worked without him and his relationship with Richard is note-worthy in terms of people aliging with those you wouldn't expect.

The pagonging was also important because it brought the first blindside (I suppose you could count the vote-offs before that but w/e none of them were as iconic) in Gretchen being voted off, and created the America's first sweetheart in Colleen Haskell. The opposition and their reaction to the Tagi alliance was compelling viewing.

Skupin falling in the fire, Alicia vs. Kimmi/finger-wagging, the Tina/Colby final two being almost the polar opposite to Hatch/Kelly, etc