What Paul and John did, is what all Top Pro's do ,they listen to their Peers and all influence each other.

Thats what all Great writers do, to get hung up and say everyone is copying your stuff is a bit far fetched.

The only ones stealing complete phrases and licks are amateurs,

Everyone is influenced by what has gone on before, Taxi are in another league, you dont need the two.

Taxi have made opportunities for many promising writers, the blunt truth is that most who join, TAXI have not got the talent
to rise above average, that's why so many feel riped off.

That's life it will never be any different, Pros work at it Amateurs play at it.

One of the most important principles of songwriting is to remember that a good song is a partnership of many different components, all working together to produce a satisfying musical experience.

In that respect, song components are either enhancing or compromising their combined effects.