I actually disagree partially. Bioware for example, doesn't really have an emergent world like Skyrim does. It's all a very specific line of action-reaction that only very few characters can react to. If Bioware is better, it's simply by virtue of keeping the focus tight on a small environment. Skyrim tried to overshoot, and the global "Reactions" become too obviously artificial.

So in terms of what they actually bring to advancing the idea of a more believable character environment, I'd say nobody wins, but Bethesda is actually advancing it in a more meaningful way.