It's an interesting one, they definitely deserve a similar status imo, although you named some bands that were basically torchbearers for a whole movement, Zeppelin, Sabbath, Pink Floyd, The Who to perhaps a lesser extent, but happy to be corrected.

There's no doubt about Blackmore's ability and he should be in the conversation but the more mainstream names are always going to be mentioned more as years go by and new people discover the old bands, thdy usually start with the names they recognise.

Saying that though, never mind Smoke on the water, Highway Star and Black Knight should be essential listening for any budding rock fan!