I think it is zechus to a neshomah if his works lead to some interesting Torah discussions.
I am interested in the question where both sides seem to be reasonable:
1) we can’t follow Rishonim unles acharonim go same way [this is relevant when new books of old authors are discovered. Is Mishna Berurah using not very well known re-published Meiri, do I recall this correctly?]
2) we can’t go against rov of Rishonim.
I am also afraid that we all use these notions inconsistently. I am probably guilty, but can’t recall particular cases 🙂 but Avira often says that others disagree with a Rishon or an Amora without fully showing Acharonim.
Also, does everyone hold by the same acharonim?