I think a problem with prog was that it didn't have much of a message back then. It didn't really speak to a generation the same way punk did when it came. For example, I can imagine how the punk wave spoke to and empowered young brits who were angry with the way things were in England in the late 70s. It was music by them for them.
That said, punk that doesn't oppose or have anything to say is godsdamn awful I think. Example, punk songs about high school romance. Dur.
I listened to a lot of punk when I was a rebellious teenager. Now that I'm in my late 20s, I tend to appreciate music less for the message and more for just being pleasing to my ears. Although I still love the occasional classic punk song, I listen to a lot more prog these days.
