Better guitar player than musician. Also, a better rhythm player than lead player.
As to the hypothetical had Hendrix had not died young (or vice versa) comparison, I think they differ in that I think it is safe to say Hendrix would have gone off into different musical styles. EVH, for as great as he is, really stagnated musically. Not a whole lot of exploring new musical ground. I don't think you would say that about Hendrix had he lived.