@secretguy: You and I agree on many things but sadly you are way off on Clapton. Most of the great respected guitarists of all time (Albert Lee, Yngwee Malmsteen, Joe Bonamassa etc) all say Clapton is a fabulous improvisational talent and blues player--Yngwe saying Clapton's guitar on John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers album defines blues playing. Is he the best of all time--no---is he a great guitar player--yes. Would love to know what successful trained musician thinks he's a "hack" ? Oh and don't mention Ritchie Blackmore--his jealousy of Clapton is well known. For the record Clapton thinks Albert Lee is the best.
Not sure what to say about this. No one you mentioned qualifies and an excellent musician. But that's one of the pitfalls of civilians talking about music.,