I have to say I agree. I'm only familiar with his recent writings but they didn't strike me as very original or standout reporting, so I don't get the adoration. I also found some of his on-stage tech interviews rather lacking in depth and personality.
I'm probably wrong though, and I get the impression I would have had to follow his contributions from his early career through to his later work to truly appreciate his influence on the tech industry.
On-stage he was IMO ok, but the ATD interviews were lowered very much in quality by his co-host Kara Swisher. Why was she in that position again and again? Why two hosts for an interview at all?
I'm probably wrong though, and I get the impression I would have had to follow his contributions from his early career through to his later work to truly appreciate his influence on the tech industry.