OK,
I don't know what the Malmsteen bashing here is all about/ don't really care, but let's take a look.
Put aside his insramental work for a minute, and just take a look at his SONGS.
Now the songs don't have "welcome To The Jungle" quality lyrics, but then, for mid 80s aren't that bad. But the thing is, listen to the guitar on those songs. You want variation in speed? You want very good harmonic balance INJECTED IN A SONG? Many times you wonder how one could inprove on the increadable guitar within those songs. You want to hear the best guitarist of that time,and for years after? By a long, long shot? Then quit slamming Malmsteen, and give him the credit he deserves.

If you don't like his istramentals, then listen to a few of his better SONGS and crank up the guitar solos, they are truely amazing , even today. THEY FIT LIKE A GLOVE. He is slowing down,and has tendonitous. Many give plenty of well deserverved credit to Steve Via, who like John J. is a hell of nice guy. Satriani too. Just because Malmsteen can be a jerk sometimes, doesn't take away from the fact that he is the most successfull istramental guitarist of all time.