Once again, prior to the DX feud, people HATED The Rock. Sure, he had some momentum for his IC Title feud with Austin (but as you like to point out) he was getting a rub off of Austin more than anything else.
When Rock started doing his promo work and stealing the mic from Farooq, THEN he started to gain a little following, but he was still just floating about.
Do you know WHY he was stealing the mic from Faarooq? Because the people actually gave a shit about him. And even if Rock was "getting a rub" from Austin during his IC title feud, HE WASNT THE WORLD FUCKING CHAMPION!!! Why? Because he wasn't ready to be....
Then he held his own with DX in promos and ridiculous backstage segments... but was still being carried in the ring by Triple H... getting a HUGE RUB from one of the top names in the company. And then he goes on to the Corporation as Vince's lackey to (as Axis has been saying) do what he was told and play the part in the ongoing Austin vs. McMahon feud. Yes, he was getting over at this point, but he was still just playing his part in the company propelling from Austin's popularity... not DX, not The Rock... AUSTIN.
Miz is simply playing his part while the company continues to propel with John Cena, and Miz is growing into one of the top heels of the future of the WWE.
Do you know WHY he was stealing the mic from Faarooq? Because the people actually gave a shit about him. And even if Rock was "getting a rub" from Austin during his IC title feud, HE WASNT THE WORLD FUCKING CHAMPION!!! Why? Because he wasn't ready to be....
Miz isn't a top heel yet, you said it yourself. You don't build your brand around a guy who isn't there yet.