Thanks Choggie,
Back in the 70s, I was in a bar in Blowing Rock, NC (about 10 miles from Doc and Merle's home), and took a seat at the bar next to Merle. He was three sheets to the wind. We were both there to see Steve Morse and the Dixie Dregs. Merle liked all kinds of music. He looked at me and said, "that's one good m*****f***er."
When Merle died in that tractor roll over, it hit us all. Obviously, Doc was devastated. These days, Doc tours with Merle's son, but, I have to say, he's no Merle on the guitar.

As you know, there is no "best guitarist." Each of the guitarists you mention are extremely talented and unique in their own way. Some have more stylistic versatility than others and some are 'interpreters' while others have more ability with composition. One of my most memorable music experiences was hearing Morse, fresh out of the Univ. of Miami's School of Music, doing an extended improvisational solo in the lounge at at ski resort! The rest of the band, (Dixie Dregs), came and sat at our table and listened to his solo with the same degree of awe.

Thanks for your comments, much appreciated.