Regretably I was not able to see many of the pilots mentioned in this thread but from an earlier era two stood out.
In the 50's Lt/Cdr John Kelly's solo performances in a Seahawk were truly heart stopping, particularly his low slow loop. It started at 200ft/200kts and peaked out over the top at only 1500ft.
Another who left an impression was Prince Cantacuzino in a Stampe.. .I saw him do an inverted flypast with the top of the fin about 20ft off the deck.. .Afterwards he apologised to the crowd saying he couldn't get any lower because wind conditions were too rough to permit it !