Edge is a different kind of guitarist/musician from more common 'Rock Gods' like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, the Ray Vaughns, Jimmy Page, Rory Gallgher, etc.
First of all, most of those '60s/'70s guys began from the blues tradition. Edge is very much a product of the new wave/punk period, and he quite consciously subscribes to the idea that blues is boring and technical showiness is crap. This is antithetical to everything those classic rock guys stand for, and this explains why people like Eric Clapton, George Harrison, etc. (could add my Dad to the list) will never hear anything impressive in what Edge plays.
Second, Edge is very much a team player who views his contribution as serving the song. Again, many of the more virtuoso types in rock history would prefer to show off their skills and thus leave their indelible mark on the given song. Edge does not think this way. In short, he is not interested in trying to impress people with his guitar playing. He is only interested in making the song better.
Third, Edge is very much a songwriter, or at least shaper/crafter of original melodic/harmonic ideas which are the backbone of many a U2 hit. Most of the so-called guitar Gods were indeed amazing on their instrument in rock-aesthetic technical proficiency, but they were not particularly good or consistent songwriters. Eric Clapton is not a very good songwriter, given the balance between his great stuff and his pap. Jimi Hendrix had a few really great moments, but again he is not a particularly strong songwriter. Most of the blues-based players were more excited by vamping on established motifs (the 12-bar, for one obvious example) or covering old songs (or stealing old songs, as in Led Zep's case). And again, U2 and Edge in particular do not find any attraction (apparently) in this approach.
Watch it Nick 
be gentle
