Why is he so underrated???

This man is one of the greatest rock'n'roll vocalists EVER, and a damned fine instrumentalist to boot. It's true his three biggest groups (Free, Bad Company, The Firm) do not rank among the highest in rock's pantheon of immortals, but all are well-respected and recorded songs that will be played to the end of time. Did his work with Queen earlier this century rub some people the wrong way? I only saw him live once (with The Firm in May 1986, one of their last live shows ever) and while most everyone was focusing on Jimmy Page, Paul showed himself the consummate professional throughout. Yes, Jimmy and the others were great, but Paul ruled that stage! Magnificent voice, awesome player, what else can I say?