Interesting article that concludes that individual "aha" moments come from group efforts.  The article also finds that brainstorming is a waste, but more "systematic inventive thinking" produces more innovations.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/07/business/innovate.php
Even so, I still like the brainstorming process when it's focused.  One of my favorite quotes is "don't let the facts get in the way of a great idea."  Don't get me wrong.  I'm a research guy, but there are times when "gut" wins out.  For me, this is one of those gut things.
Be an innovator,
--Charles