I don't really see what the big deal is over Clapton. Nothing of his that I've heard has really blown me away (except perhaps Layla unplugged or Tears in Heaven), whereas basically everything I've heard of SRV's [u]has[/u].

I see Clapton as more of a rhythm/songwriter. I can't think of one killer solo that he plays. Each one ends up with me wishing he had played it faster, longer, higher, etc.