I agree with Rask, most of it is boring because the majority of bass players do exactly what you said. The bass guitar is another instrument, and if you treat it as so it can add something to the music rather than playing exactly what the guitar plays. There are alot of creative bassists out there who add something rather than mimic it. Rock music, you don't need to go much farther than John Paul Jones. In 80's rock where the guitar is the driving force, listen to some Mr. Big bass lines. And yes, bass lines should be more melodic. Moving through inversions and non-harmonic tones rather than the root all the time. The bass can be a very innovative instrument in any genre if you treat it right.