If it makes him a great guitarist because he sells records then he is. If it makes him a great guitarist because we all try to figure out what comes to him naturally then he is. If it makes him a great guitarist because he has inspired a generation of young guitarists to push their boundries then he is.
Personally, I think he's Joe Satriani's greatest student ever. He took what he learned and applied it to a style that suited him. He has grown as a musician for over a decade and continues to release interesting material.
Kirk is Kirk! (Everybody else is Everybody else)
All the best!!!!!!!! :cool: