Par4QC
You bring up another point.....how many of us have actually seen IN PERSON these players we think of as favorites?
I mentioned Snead, Palmer, Nicklaus, followed by Hogan, Trevino, and Jones. I'm 72 years old, and have been a golf fan most of my life. I've been to enough tournaments (tour events, Masters, US Opens, PGA's) that I've seen most of those at least hit a few shots in person. Sadly, I never set eyes on Ben Hogan or Bobby Jones, b/c they both were done competing by the time I attended my first tournament. I've seen just about all the rest, including today's stars.
But I doubt that we can form much of an opinion of a player by seeing him strike a few shots in person, even though it's nice to be able to say, "I saw the great Palmer, etc. play." Rather, I think watching them compete in their primes (on TV, the best seat in the house!), then evaluating their overall record, personality, and all those other factors you mention.....that's how we each arrive at our own personal favorites.