That's what people just can't seem to comprehend. In the competitive environment, the best bowlers still win 99.9% of the time. The only place where the equipment muddies the waters is in the THS league environment where people can spray the lanes and still hit high flush with good carry all night long.
If you put most house hacks (myself included) up against a true pro on a tough pattern, that pro could dominate them in most instances using urethane or plastic even if the amateur were allowed to use whatever he or she wanted. Talent still wins out the overwhelming majority of the time.
Also, let's not forget that equipment layout, coverstock prep, and selection is a new element that makes today's bowlers have to think about and account for more than the bowlers of yesteryear. Now, instead of just having one or two balls to think about, you have to mentally scroll through your entire arsenal to determine when and if better options are available. To some, that isn't as skillful as changing hand positions, lofting, etc. To me, it's a different type of skill that bowlers in the past didn't have.