I wonder if Adam ever envisioned he would get such a following when he agreed to co-host Mythbusters.

I agree that Mythbusters was important to Adam's progression, but perhaps not just because of the exposure of being a co-host of a popular show. It gave him "fuck you" money and let him know just how many people at large are interested in doing what he does.

Ultimately, Adam has done much more to put him in his current spot than just co-host Mythbusters. He has gone to maker events, cons, and works hard to encourage others to take up the making hobby. He makes tutorials on how to create props freely available. He actively participates in the community, and makes people feel good about themselves - such as unboxing and praising creative efforts.

IMO, Adam is the quintessential example of what is possible when someone no longer has to worry about providing for food and shelter, and can do what they want. Maybe he's the 1% in that regard, but the value provided by his 1% is worth the other 99%.