Neil Young - Guitarist

You know they have classical music competitions--the Cliburn piano competition being among the best-known.  I think it's generally accepted that a great deal of both technique and musicality are required to do well.  I don't see why a list such as this one of Rolling Stone's shouldn't be the same.  It's not all about emotion and neither is it all about technique.

It would be interesting to poll professional musicians, and publish the results. I'm guessing it would be very different from the RS one. Would it be more "valid"? Is the opinion of a musician of more "worth" than that of a non-musician? Even amongst other artists, opinions about a guy like, say, Lou Reed, are highly divided.

I know from interviews that Neil Young isn't even in Neil Young's top 100 guitarists of all time. 

He has a very distinct style which makes him original. Mark Knopfler is a truly incredible guitarist. IMO he’s the best alive. Sorry Clapton lovers. 

The Rolling Stone list was compiled primarily by other guitarist.  The list is titled "Greatest", not "Best" and it is clearly not based on technical skill.  Still the list doesn't include Rick Derringer, Robin Trower, Gary Moore, Marvin Tarpley, Shuggie Otis, Marshall Crenshaw, Danny Kirwan, Earl Hooker, Magic Sam, David Hildago, Bill Conners, Dave Alvin, etc.

Here's a link.