I think if you want to compare two bands based on popularity, then by default Linkin Park and Korn are MUCH better than symphony x and have a FAR bigger and more important place in music. But that just doesn't jive, now does it?
Virgin Steele, for my money, are a superior band because they write music that is more up my alley. I'd recommend people check them out and do some decent research since the early stuff and the newer stuff are two completely different animals. Sure, it's all a matter of opinion and I wouldn't expect people to have the same opinion as me on the Symphony X official forum, but there it is. I'd kill to see Virgin Steele live man. They have to rock, plus David's voice is just insane.
quick edit: schenk, i'm mostly playing devil's advocate here because it's funny, but it really is silly to say that because a band has largely gone under the radar for a few decades yet still puts out awesome material that they are of a lower standard than another younger band who happened to get lucky. You don't listen to anything that's better than symphony x (again, personal opinion) but has gone largely unnoticed for a few decades? Another band i'll throw out there that has the same status in america: Running Wild. Fucking phenomenal band, has almost no buzz these days. Fucking shameful.