Compared to...? Sorry, but we'll never agree on this one...I like acoustic guitar music too much to consider Nelson a "great" picker. Every time he embarks on his signature break on "Whiskey River" I run howling from the room.
Compared to others who play a classical style guitar (in Willie's case, a '69 Martin N-20) for country style music. Iow, he doesn't have much competition ;) It's a very unusual tone for the type of music he plays, for sure.
My favorite acoustic players include Chet Atkins, Tony Rice, Lenny Breau....among others. Willie doesn't come close to making the list, but I still love his style.
Each person has their own taste. A true story. My wife's grandmother was a professional piano and voice teacher in Knoxville in the 30's - likely 50's. She taught at a local music store. One woman came in regularly whom she said would sit and bang on the piano in the store and it drove her nuts. The woman? Mabel Carter. LOL.
My wifes grandmother did not like mountain music even though it was her heritage as her family were pioneers in the area. She was strictly classical and for voice Opera.