Yes, Genesis with Peter Gabriel and Jethro Tull. For this refutation, I am thinking primarily of these bands, although equally convincing arguments can be made for Robert Fripp of King Crimson. Also, I do not need to be an expert on progressive rock to know an unfair criticism when I read one, and this essay is more a refutation of those criticisms than a defense of progressive rock. For clarification, although Frank Zappa, ELO, Queen and Rush have more or less explored this form, I regard each, respectively, as experimental, pop-rock, rock and hard rock artists more than progressive rock artists. I will comment on the categorization of these groups later.
Some people claim progressive rock is bombastic, or pompous.
That is, it's full of showy self-importance. If so, the claim is emotional, based on preference. But this is beside the point. Induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame should be based on influence and contributions. Some people claim progressive rock is pretentious.