Hmm, I can't say I have seen many before about 1974 so I can't really talk about early history. Also, being out in the sticks, I did not get to see a lot of the 'arena' type acts (unless they were the starting group at some point). I do think the oil projectors were a bit cheesy but if you're tripping I guess they are cool.
One thing is surprising is that Genesis' first use of intelligent lights wasn't mentioned. IL turned concert lighting on it's ear. The first I saw of them was a ZZ Top concert in the early 80's and I was blown away.
I also think there should be a distinction made between lighting and stage effects. Again, I can't address Pink Floyd per se but a wall or large dragon or robot or ... is not really part of the lighting. They are lit but not lighting.
What I miss from some of the old school rock lighting is that the LD was almost a member of the band. Some would inject another, lets say, rhythm track during the music. Some would have riffs and round offs just like drummers. Once IL came along, that really got too complicated to do so automated chases took over.