While a lot more can no doubt be done by faking it, using non-RT techniques it'll probably(uneducated view
![Smile :) :)](/styles/default/xenforo/vbSmilies/Normal/smile.gif)
) be easier with RT. Take Quake 2 with RT for example. You can change the lighting source and observe the end result, so once it's setup it simulates much closely to real life. Not sure if this can be easily done with the faking it method.
You're right, RT will really shine in the future. Adoption is key to that too. When most have an RT capable GPU, the developers will solely focus on that rather than trying to fake it too (catering for non-RTX GPU's) and by that time the hardware side of things will be much more advanced.
I'm still impressed with RT, what's been achieved so far. I think next gen will give us an indication on how quickly it might advance moving forward.
I like open world games so may pick this up later