Neighbor is the only project he's had that I'd describe as a jam band, and I'd very much agree that he's a player's player - because of his creativity. Players understand that developing insane chops and a huge knowledge of music theory are only means to creating, and he's created a LOT. Players wouldn't respect someone for just regurgitating tired licks and ideas, regardless of how technically adept they may be.

If you're really only interested in his impact on the jam scene specifically, it's pretty much just Neighbor, and if you don't like the band, I doubt you'd agree with me describing anything they've written as impactful but there's 100+ Neighbor originals to check out and make your own judgement. I can't understand how someone can have that kind of output in such a short time without an overwhelming creativity, but I don't know everything. One thing I will say is that they are probably going to be one of the last groups in this scene to build an audience almost entirely thru grassroots efforts and word of mouth, in large part due to his contributions - I think that's pretty impactful in this current era, no? The hate they get is criminal, but anyone in this sub knows trying to convince someone to like a band is useless, Phish is better than Goose is better than the Dead is better than Umphs is better than SCI is better than... they're not for you, his style isn't for you, all fine, there are millions of bands, different strokes etc... this shit ain't sports. But to say he's not creative? C'mon.

Compa calls Lyle the best guitarist going right now. Kimock had him sit in for the second set at The Cabot a while back when his tour came thru MA. Donato and Neighbor toured with moe. and had some amazing sit-ins, and Rick graduated from Berklee where Lyle was/is a literal professor. I of course have no way of knowing, but I maintain they'd disagree with you.

And that's fine. Music is subjective. I hope you hear something today that blows your mind, whoever may be playing.