I didn't read all the crap that comes with a massive thread like this but my opinion is Hendrix. They're both blues based. With respect to technique it's Hendrix and with respect to catchy radio tunes that I love it's whatever his name is. One of them died when it was corporately wise and the other guy probably should be. I mean, anybody can play an aerosmith solo by ear and not so much a hendrix one.

However, aerosmith is classic rock, hendrix more psychodelic rock (spelling probably). Aerosmith is more mainstream but that could go to either side of the argument.