Falcon 9 made its first landing (during an orbital mission) Dec. 2015[1]. It was very successful after that.

The Ariane 6 program was selected Dec 2014[2].

Reusable vehicles are clearly the way to go but that was a little early to say Falcon 9 was going to be the success it is today.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falcon_9

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariane_6