SO MUCH......AS

SO MUCH.......AS  is a very frequent idiom in the GMAT.

so much by X as by Y
so much because of X as because of Y

Q. Some analysts of the latest technological advances argue that technology moves forward not so much because of great sparks of ideas but because of smaller contributions, such as improved practices, better laboratories and more knowledgeable designers.
A. same
B. because of great sparks of ideas as the results of
C. because of great sparks of ideas as because of
D. through great sparks of ideas but through
E. through great sparks of ideas but results from

answer is C

Q. Ripe peaches are marked not so much by their color but instead by their firmness and fullness of aroma.
A. Same
B. rather than
C than
D. as
E. so much as

Correct Answer: D