I'm not a Britney fan (anymore) but if you ask anyone that doesn't pay attention to the **** that most of you do, they'd say she's a legend. I grew up on her music, as did many others. A lot of you who are still in high school have NO comprehension of a pop star as large as she was. It's funny to see arguments over artists having the largest peak (see my sig) when most don't understand how big Britney was from 98-2002 and then again in 07-11. Not to mention her tabloid years. She's a legend, but those of you who crawl into a corner and cry when your favorite singer is insulted won't agree.
As for influence, go back to 99-00 and look at how many female, oftentimes blonde, pop stars suddenly debuted and followed her music/style formula.
Keep thinking what you'd like to, though