Monarch Man,
An interesting thread drift! There are many facets to flying and I have always found that within any group of pilots, however talented they are, some are better than others at a given event. For example, aerobatics, formation flying, ACM, unguided weaponry. Therefore, I believe that it is not possible to ever name one 'best' pilot. However, I do agree with you in that some of the best stick-and-rudder pilots I have ever watched or flown with were not military or military trained.