The Seafolks are unique in putting themselves almost always above water, and in constant danger. If a boat leaks, the windfinder will drown as surely as non-channelers. Non-channeling skills are maybe more vital to survival than channeling. The ocean limits the power of the windfinder below that of the sailmistress. Recall a windfinder is bound to her sailmistress. She can not gain rank unless her sailmistress gains rank. That reflects where true power lies. But where is the equivalent ability to trump the OP for the shore-bound?

What the Seafolks have don't translate well elsewhere, unless you think the fourth age will have the ocean covering the earth due to another breaking, like the movie Waterworld.

The WO also have many limits. They were unable to link for thousands of years, have limited healing ability, and mostly just rely on the extended life span to gain experience and wisdom. In the harsh desert, their existing ability are not sufficient to be the top power.

So while people can learn from them, their models are not applicable everywhere. Switzerland is a neutral country. Can you export that model everywhere else to make the whole world peaceful?