You do realize that Steve has more Grammys than Earl, right? And if Earl's opinion means anything, consider this: Steve and Earl won a Grammy together for best instrumental in 2002. I doubt that Earl would put a song on a album with a no talent hack. I am not saying that Steve is better, but I do like hearing Steve play better than hearing Earl. That is what this thread is about, BTW.
When I listen to old bluegrass today, I would much rather hear Ralf Stanley than Earl. I am not disputing Earl as the GOAT, but that doesn't mean I think he had the best sound for my taste. I don't think the SteelDrivers are GOAT material either, but I would rather hear them when Chris Stapleton was a member than any other bluegrass band in history.