In all serousness, we would have been better off had Wakeman become a classical pianist, and Jon Anderson not ever gotten behind a microphone.
Now that's a hard core opinion! But I'm gonna have to disagree with you, there. I'm not even really sure if Rush belongs in a true hall of fame. They've had a very long career, to be sure, with many, many albums. But they probably never had a top 100 song--maaaaaybe Tom Sawyer. They probably never got played on any format besides rock. I bet when people vote on the best rock songs of all time, there are no Rush songs. Geddy Lee is beyond just being a bad singer. Their early sound is very dated and cheesy. Their best period--Hemispheres to Moving Pictures--is somewhat sterile. And everything since is beyond sterile. It's completely antiseptic. So much for Rush.
Yes? They definitely have a handful of classic anthems--"I've Seen All Good People" and "Roundabout." But it wouldn't bother me if they were not inducted.
"Spirit of Radio" (1980) and "Time Stand Still" (1987) both made the top 40.
I saw Rush perform once, about 20 years ago (Roll the Bones tour? Maybe?).
Neil Peart is a MONSTER behind the drum kit. The rest of the band supports him, instead of the other way 'round.
Musical opinion is a toughie. Generally there are absolutes in opinion that are non-changeable between people.
I grew up in a musical household, learned to play a variety of instruments and listened to a lot of music. I grew to enjoy Yes early on (early 70’s) and have never lost that admiration. They display a depth of harmony, chordal variation, interesting meter and individual virtuosity that few other bands have ever approached. I would encourage you to go back and listen to the tunes of theirs that are not played on the radio. Rhino Records has re-issued quite a bit of the Yes catalog, and they have done an outstanding job.
Of course, a keyboardist I know tends to growl “Use your left hand” anytime he hears Wakeman play.
Rush is made up of virtuoso talent as well. Neil Peart recently hosted and was the feature player at the Tribute to Buddy Rich. Geddy Lee is among the better bassists both from a technical and performance standpoint and Alex Lifeson, while not a showy player, is a master at interesting chordal structures and layering that few other guitarists can even come close to.
I strongly recommend listening to their latest recording, Snakes and Arrows. It is not sterile by any stretch!
Cheers!