The contribution of Excel, the most popular programming environment in the world, is undoubtable - therefore, not only has Excel accomplished something (popularize programming among non-programmers) but it's also easily measurable (it has done so more than any other technology in existence). It _is_ a genuine contribution to the world, by the tool itself, not just by what people use the tool for.
So, I disagree with this line of criticism - I think you very well can do those things.
So, I disagree with this line of criticism - I think you very well can do those things.