The modern web is nothing at all like the original one, so I don't really feel like it makes sense to say nothing better has come along: many new things have come along and replaced what was originally created.

But the bigger problem with arguing for projects like the LHC or the moon landing based on the side benefits of what was invented there is that there isn't really a demonstrable causal link and it provides no real support for any of the actual projects being undertaken, just to the idea of employing smart people in an environment with free time.