I think the point of the story wasn't proper attribution, it was a way for Gates to prod people to work faster.

By misappropriating their work?

I coded the entire linux operating system in one hour. Why can't you do something just as amazing with the same amount of time?

"but appropriation of work isn't relevant at all!!!!!" Of course it's relevant. The prodding doesn't work if the justification for the prodding is a lie.