I would credit a lot of that to the whole, though, which is what I've always said about LZ. Individually the parts are great, but the whole is what makes them the greatest.
I agree. Plant is an amazing lead. He pretty much created the template for what a lead in a rock band should be. Bonham was only the greatest drummer of all time. I don't know that JPJ was anything particularly special, but I also don't think he was a talentless hack. But with all that being said, LZ was Jimmy Page's baby. His brain was the creative headquarters of the band. So I usually assign him with the credit even though I realize he had an amazing supporting cast around him.
He's up there. Has to be considered for the GOAT. Personally, Danny Carey of Tool is the best I've ever heard. Neil Pert was pretty solid as well.
Way way more subjective. I can't think of many topics that are more inherently subjective than music.
Neil Peart for me. Some say Peart is too mechanical, but that is just how he looks. [video=youtube;LWRMOJQDiLU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWRMOJQDiLU[/video]