The designer has some worth for sure.
The coder and the infrastructure, make it all possible.
The copywriter will write copy.

The seo though, is rightly charged with presenting a site to the foremost position on the serps; otherwise what use?

Where can the blame be passed, ultimately or euphemistacally?


Will a great image, a beautiful story or pristine code deliver one to a point where it is even in the running for a click through?

In a world where the serps are, we won't say governed but influenced by human psychology; then it is somewhat likely that "true relevance", is going to be a combination of factors. All based on human behaviour and likelihood of input.

Great copy is great, if anyone gets to read it.
Great code is great code, if anyone gets as far as it.
Great web design is designed well, and is even fantastic where a direct link is given, and followed.

Seo though, is where such above mentioned facets are brought to a global presentation level.

Other analogies;
Web design; Paint the kitchen but not the home.
Copywriting; Make the toilet, be as the kitchen.
Coding; Help us to distinguish between the two of them,

Seo; Help all of us, to know where your house is.