What does the author suggest about Eads' fame and fortune?

The author implies that Eads' fame and fortune were not entirely warranted, suggesting a level of skepticism about the accolades he received. This perspective indicates that while Eads may have achieved notoriety, the author believes that the extent of his recognition did not fully align with his actual contributions or accomplishments. There may be an argument that his work or its impact was overstated, or that other factors contributed to his fame that did not correlate with merit. Understanding this nuance allows readers to critically evaluate how public perception and reality can sometimes diverge, particularly in the context of historical figures or innovators.