I don't debate the relative strength of Rush's catalog....their music appeals to a limited audience. I get that....that audience feels REALLY strong about that music (I happen to be one of them....lol). That said, I accept Rush is not going to appeal to everyone.
There are quite a few country music starts that are huge Rush fans....which I find weird....clearly a large portion of rock bands hold Rush in the highest esteem......if folks in the music industry tell something is good - I tend spend some time to see if I like it (which is how I found Spock's Beard....awesome progressive rock band still cranking out new music)
Clockwork Angles is not my favorite Rush album - but I listen to it often....the Garden is just an incredible piece of music......