Although Miles most always chose the minimalist approach,
I highly doubt that he considered all bop reharmonization pretentious.
Certainly Miles respected everything that Monk, Bud and Bird contributed.
Miles was mentored by Bird. The interviews I have seen reflect the reverence of the student to jazz master relationship.
“So What” reaches the highest levels not only because of the modal approach but also because of the rhythm and phrasing wrapped up in what I would call the “perfectionist approach”.
These fellows were not messing around - anybody can play modally. Although they were introducing the style. They were also playing at the top of their game... highly focused as well as spiritually connected and devoted to making music
Miles - John Coltrane - Bill Evans - Cannonball Adderly - Paul Chambers - Philly Joe Jones...
My goodness and man alive... ha ha ha
And in the end of it all So What
“Why play so many notes instead of just choosing the most beautiful?”
http://classicacts.blogspot.com/2012/01/miles-davis-kind-of-blue.html