Antonio Salieri as a "bitter mediocrity" in 'Amadeus' was debunked years ago.

[charlives]

6. I'm no expert....

...but I think Beethoven took lessons with Salieri to learn to write operas. Beethoven's lone opera doesn't seem "inspired" ...but I'd concede that Beethoven THOUGHT he'd be inspired to write good operas by studying with him. That says something.
Beethoven really liked Fidelio too. I think he said something about it being the child that nobody else liked so he liked it more...?
Only thing I can say is that personally I don't know of any Salieri piece I'd want to sit down and listen to, and his teaching skills seem unknown/debatable. BUT, I'm glad if someone else likes it and enjoys listening.