I (as a trombonist of the slide variety) am certainly aware of the dismissal of valve trombonists as "cheaters" or just "inferior" trombonists. I happen to think of the valve trombone as an entirely different instrument (with its own set of advantages/disadvantages) and I always can tell the difference between the two on a recording. Check out "Our Love Is Here To Stay" on the Mosaic JJ box (or on the "Dial JJ" recording)-that ain't no slide trombone he's playing; actually it's not a valve trombone either.......
I have no hostility towards Tizol or Brookmeyer or McConnell or Enevoldsen or Fahn etc.- they're just as unpopular as slide trombonists are!
Actually, I enjoy Brookmeyer's playing quite a bit- he can develop motives like a mofo. Not a bad writer either.
But the point is taken, BB really shouldn't be on this list; there should be a separate list for the button-pushers.
BTW, I voted for Slide. I'm confused by polls like this- are we choosing based on life's work or current prowess? Curtis is the current leader, but I don't think he is playing as well as Slide right now, yet he has a more impressive resume, having been the only trombonist to record in a small group w/Trane and Bud Powell.