Agreed. The established order didn't work for him, so he was able to leverage an alternative (but legal) way of achieving his ultimate goal.
There have been some other interesting marketing hacks/stunts over the years. I remember from about 20 years ago one involving the late Eazy E of N.W.A., a rap group which helped take gangsta rap mainstream in the late 80s/early 90s. Eazy E was invited to and showed up for a White House luncheon with then-President George H.W. Bush. How'd he get the invitation? Apparently by donating $2,500 to the Republican Party or the elder Bush's re-election campaign. The press was all over it. Eazy E later said the publicity was worth a million dollars.
There have been some other interesting marketing hacks/stunts over the years. I remember from about 20 years ago one involving the late Eazy E of N.W.A., a rap group which helped take gangsta rap mainstream in the late 80s/early 90s. Eazy E was invited to and showed up for a White House luncheon with then-President George H.W. Bush. How'd he get the invitation? Apparently by donating $2,500 to the Republican Party or the elder Bush's re-election campaign. The press was all over it. Eazy E later said the publicity was worth a million dollars.