There are imitators in EVERYTHING....Mostly imitators, and FEW "originators" in as much as you can call them that. But you can argue that no thought is original and without its own influences.
This is skateboarding, you cant patent a style or approach, you cant sue for intellectual property rights, sometimes all you can do is be bitter if what you started becomes popular, cashed in on by others, and you as the originator are forgotten.
As has been said, cellar doors and niche little spots would be skated even if there was never a Puleo. Skating has gotten huge, and plenty of skaters out there will always utilize their environments, and plenty more will travel to new cities to taste what they've got to offer. Puleo exemplified his particular approach, and I guess was the first to come out with parts that adhered to it. He brought something new to the game, and did it so well that it was copied. "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"...making money sure is nice too, but maybe take pride in making an impact/contribution and at least being acknowledged for it.
Skateboarding always wants to evolve, and when it doesn't it gets boring to most. Any new trend within it may be started by one person, city, or team, yet will soon be adapted by the masses who find it appealing or "cool". Being the first to do a particular trick doesn't always mean you'll monetize off of it, even if it becomes the new "hot trick" of the year. And if a trend in skating doesn't ever pick up...well its probably whack (sorry N. Sherwood)