Yeah, I think that is a common response. I also think that's why he gets overlooked, or under appreciated. I understand the "Hendrixesque" comparison, but it was not a copy or clone. His music is very different, and although he manipulated his instrument in some similar ways, his style is quite different as well. (at least to my ears) It seems people dismiss him as a Hendrix clone, and don't give him but a cursory listen. I could be full of crap though. He changed musical directions a few years after this album, (and several times since) and I have to believe it was at least in part, because of this perception.
If you listen to this tune, you can clearly hear almost the same riff that SRV was so fond of. Now I know RT wasn't the first to play this riff, but it sure sounds to me like Stevie copped the whole style of the riff from RT.
Andy McKee and others have taken quite a few things from Hedges, but they don't get dismissed as clones. Or do they?
I don't understand the (what seems to me) dismissal of Trower as such. It has been the perception for as long as I can remember though. I must be wrong. To play that well and be summarily dismissed would be more than I could bear.