Ironically he has become the prophet of the masses in many ways for people who see him almost as a spiritual guide rather than a philosopher. For many he is one of the first philosophers to read due to his popularity while they aren't yet familiarised with philosophical ideas and the history of previous thought systems to help one better understand his ideas in the context of his time. Your remark about exploring philosophy in its variety to avoid remaining stuck at this level is accurate since many seem reluctant in discovering new ideas once they find what they perceive as an all encompassing narrative with explanatory power in a system of thought. Well written article.