I think SDC is not just a copy of cryptonote.  Its more complicated and cryptonote tech is just one of the pieces of the puzzle.  When Satoshi built bitcoin, he didn't invent any new tech either.  All he did was put existing technical puzzle pieces together in a way that created a powerful incentive system.  The incentive system is the brilliance behind Bitcoin.  ShadowCash is doing a similar thing, putting the puzzle pieces together in a brilliant way.

Also soon Isidor Zeuner will have his review out on ShadowCash, which compares Shadow to cryptonote and other schemes, showing their similarities and differences, so that may put an end to the debate.