I think the main point is that any time value in a monetary unit is measured over time, it is naturally adjusted for inflation. This is done with basically everything. So it's not necessarily a "neener neener" situation, it's applying standard process.
I think the real question that is trying to be answered is which company is worth more, period. How do you measure worth? In dollars is one way, making use of the market cap. Which has/has made a larger (positive) impact in the world is another. Which metrics should you use to get to the answer is the question...
Adjusting for change of price in goods (your suggestion) is a little shaky of any idea in my mind, as 1. inflation affects all goods instead of a subset, which means there's more choice. 2. IBM must've had it harder since the cost was higher and they still managed such a large market cap, ie. took more value output to create the market cap.
I think the real question that is trying to be answered is which company is worth more, period. How do you measure worth? In dollars is one way, making use of the market cap. Which has/has made a larger (positive) impact in the world is another. Which metrics should you use to get to the answer is the question...
Adjusting for change of price in goods (your suggestion) is a little shaky of any idea in my mind, as 1. inflation affects all goods instead of a subset, which means there's more choice. 2. IBM must've had it harder since the cost was higher and they still managed such a large market cap, ie. took more value output to create the market cap.
Just some thoughts.