Most likely because when Bun was already a star all these other "drummers", like Lars Ulrich, Tommy Lee, Rikki Rocket et. al. were still shifting brown in their diaper. All those 80's bands built their careers on Cheap Trick's blend of British Invasion melodies and melodies and hard rock.
I don't know about "these other drummers," cause I don't think I can recall a remarkable drummer from the '80s. I recall some very solid ones -- the guy from Heart, Steve Miller's drummer; the guy who played on Peter Gabriel's "So" (Manute Katch [sp?]); and Stewart Copeland was a master of the spartan syncopation, etc. But the 'eighties were sort the decade of the Guitar, and I think we owe a great deal of that to SRV.
Notwithstanding, to say that Cheap Trick was such a ubiquitous influence is big news to me indeed, and I was very much listening back then.
But, admittedly, not to a lot of Cheap Trick. So I have to digest this assertion of yours.
Back when Cheap Trick was charting, I was listening to WXRT in Chicago, which back then was the coolest. Heard Lene Lovitch, David Johansen, all sorts of names that no FReeper would admit to digging. But I dug 'em all, 'cause for me, it's all about the music.
I will say that "I want you to want me" brings back great memories and is a very creditable live tune with some beautiful, racy guitar licks by Mr. Nielson. And the interaction with the audience is precious. It was a good time on vinyl.