I think of it this way. In the early days of the electric bass guitar, the Precision ruled the earth. And then Leo, with input from many players, decided we needed something else.
And what if instead of designing the Jazz, he had simply updated the Precision? Wouldn't the world be a poorer place without the Fender Jazz?
You don't like the Bongo? Okay - don't buy one. But I've heard a lot of different opinions in a very short time. I intend to try one or two and see what I think.
I'm still keeping my Stingrays and my Sterlings, but I'm interested in new stuff.