George Perez was ahead of his time, probably one of the very few people in those days who saw the potential of Wonder Woman's character.
He did a lot to elevate Diana... even the friendship with Clark gave her prominence and importance as you had the all-mighty Superman of all people admiring a lot her (just look at Superman's speech "for Diana" during War of the Gods) and pining a little for her too.
I think the WW film played a bigger role in raising her importance in recent times.Diana has grown in importance over the past 30 years, taking her apex to new 52, both in power, importance and popularity.