Good thread but I have to disagree with the fact that self-taught guitarists are better. What about Steve Vai? Given he was taught by Joe Satriani, but still, he is better than most. Now that I have started listening to him he would have to be in my top 10 best guitarists.
And the fact that what you like is the best, I would have to argue again. IMO, Jimi Hendrix was the most talented guitarist EVER. BUT, I prefer Eric Clapton, not because of talent, but because I prefer his style. Hendrix blows me away by what he can do though.