You got a point there, but..

Bonamasa has been playing since he was four.

To get back on the point you made. When you've been playing for 16 years you should be at a certain level, i agree.

In my opinion john is defenitely at the point he needs to be/can be. Because he suffered from the fact he got famous through pop music. Bonamassa isn't as famous as john, and is therefor at a different level.

To say his playing was better a few years ago is a bit much i think. I see your point but i still think john is a guitarplayer at heart, and i also think he has invested in the guitar the last few years. Playing with clapton and buddy and guys like that boosted his playing alot.
My 2cents

Pepijn