Not adding to the person's statement you were arguing against; however I'd have to say that the N9 is more innovative for just a few of the following reasons:

• Only phone to run MeeGo
  Only phone to run Harmattan
  First phone with Swipe UI
  First phone to use all polycarbonate build from one piece
  Has won many design awards
  Developed by a very small, yet determined group of people whereas WP7/WP8 is built by a HUGE group of folks

Not saying that means much; however it does mean that the N9 could be seen as an innovator given when it came out, how it came about and how it was seen in the community.

Just saying...