The fact that a human expert can also do it doesn't mean the AI isn't valuable. Even if you just consider the monetary aspect, those few API calls would definitely be cheaper than buying the researcher lunch. But the big benefit is being able to generate those ideas immediately and autonomously every time there's new data.
I think what they are saying is that idea generation is not a pain point and not really worth solving. Taking ideas and making them happen... that's the hard part where an artificial agent could come in much more handy
Unfortunately the good ones who do not steal credit are few and far between. Current incentives select for this behaviour. Not just in academia, but about everywhere.
Go to any meeting and state the obvious fact that "any idiot can have an idea. Making it happen is the tough part" then watch how the decision makers react