I think the article hit the nail on an important element - Vision.

Yes, Larry and Sergey created something simple. But they had a vision what they want to do with it and the potential of what they were working on. Same thing with Zuckerberg. Yes, he created a simple networking site for Harvard and but he also had a vision. Most of them were recorded in his diary, i.e photo sharing etc.

If you create a small product without a vision, it will remain a small product and may not go anywhere. But a small product with a great vision have the potential to take you to the next level. Now a huge clunky product with an enormous vision? That is a recipe for disappointment.