I agree with Ironica, as i've seen a few ferocious clips of EVH in 2004, though largely he was inconsistent.
With all due respect to people like Sum, etc, you guys are not players & don't really have the knowledge to see the differences in technique & musicality between a Hendrix, a Page or a VH.
If this list is an accurate representation of the best guitarists, Ed would be on top, no question.
This has nothing to do with 2004, but everything to do with their overall body of work as guitarists. So what Ed did two days ago has little bearing on what he has achieved throughout the length of his career.
Zakk Wylde, who knows great players & happens to love Jimi himself, always stated EVH had no peers.
He makes a great point when he says that 'Jimi couldn't play Spanish Fly...' Neither could Jeff Beck, Clapton or Jimmy Page.
Those guys just do not have the skill Ed had as a guitar player, though all were/are amazing musicians.
They can't play Ed, but Ed could easily play anything by Jeff Beck, Blackmore, Clapton, etc. There's no doubt in my mind.
So, cheers to Ironica, because he is absolutely correct!