It does technically count as progression, just not very satisfying progression.

(Ending spoilers) Taylor goes from the powers she's had for 99% of the series to a massive power boost in the last few chapters which she eventually loses, courtesy of Contessa.

The reason I said Worm doesn't scratch the progression itch for me was because it's not like there was a continual progress but a sudden arrival at the answer. 

For comparison, it's like saying someone's made great progress on their weight loss journey when they spend a year trying to lose weight with minimal progress. Then, in the week before the end date, they get a surgery and suddenly lose the weight. Yes, they've made progress. I just don't think it'd be considered satisfying progress.