Good thread idea, I like the idea of talking about creativity and inspiration instead of technical manipulations and so on . BUT, but ...
... I think your whole thing of "techno music = not good", "computer = evil" et caetera is quite disappointing and wrong.
I mean, it's not credible to tell people to be creative, and right after to restrain their field of exploration, especially toward techno which is a huge genre of music that covers a very broad field of ambiences, moods, situations and musical caracteristics.
What is the relation between, for example, hardtek or trance and minimalistic soundscaping works like Aphex Twin or Ulver ? You got it - their done (partially or totaly) with the help of computer and/or electronic devices, hence their (sometimes discutable) qualification of "techno music".
To sum up : yes, listening to "techno" or other electronic-sourced musics CAN be very helpful in creations. The only thing is to find a music that inspires you, makes you dream a bit and gives you new mapping ideas.
And no, rock music doesn't have the monopole and "fiery" moods and epic sensations.
I would add that, still in a perspective of encouraging creativity, listing only 5-6 ultra-known bands that have already been used in dozens of thousands of ads, films and others medias denotes either a great lack of musical and artistic mind-opening, or a pedagogic error.
Once again, I give kudos to the author for the other paragraphs and ideas, but for the musical theory, it's very disappointing. It looks like a good old teenage-blog-like "m3t4l rOXXX lawl Tekno suxxX" and other highly evolved aesthetics debates - hum.
With all my respects,
CYD