I think the real point is that LIDAR has its own shortcomings. Currently the range is too limited, it's sensitive to fog and rain (more than cameras) and it's very expensive. Note that Tesla's for example don't only use cameras, they do have radar and use that to "see" two cars ahead even now. Still they don't use LIDAR and Musk's thesis is that this particular tech isn't needed and overly expensive and cumbersome
The radar in tesla vehicles is the type intended for use in adaptive cruise control. Extremely low angular resolution with a filter that ignores objects that are close to stationary.
This is why Teslas keep running into stationary cars. The radar in them is not designed for this, and can't tell the difference between a fire truck in the lane and the barrier to the side of the lane.
