As stated, there are so many lvariables that make up detailing from putting the pad to the paint to being a savy business person. One of the key variables is tuning in to what your customer expects and being able to deliver it...
With that said the top guys have been mentioned from Todd to Rick, Ryan, Joe, David Fermani, Picus ... These guys are all in the upper echelon of contributing detailers on this board and I learn from Todd, Rick, Ryan and David on every post I read from them.. Now granted, posting detailed click and brags has nothing to do with actual detailing BUT reading the treads these chaps put up always sharpens my game and gets me thinking "out of the box" while going full tilt boogie with buffer in hand...