Under Rick's leadership, several communities were freed from despotism and joined a larger community forged by his people, then made contact with another large community, and was instrumental in staving off a revolt. Then he died, and in dying was honored by both communities as it founder. Can you say that Washington really did more? I think not. GW was just a General.
Yeah, it totally rings true to me. Rick's death was the cement that held everything together. It makes sense.