Perhaps he was the best Union cavalry general, but I agree with you that several Confederates were better overall.
Although Grierson and Sheridan could have given him a run even in the Union.
That was the point: Buford was the best Yankee cavalryman.
I agree re Stuart and Forrest. Stuart had talent, but he was all about Stuart, and if Lee hadn't been so fond of him, Stuart would have been demoted or cashiered long before Gettyburg. Forrest was referred to as "that devil Forrest" by Sherman; anyone who earns that kind of sobriquet from their opponent is certainly doing something right.