I think his longevity is a testament to his fire and desire, to not only compete but win a major again at 50 is historic. Hasn't been done before, despite Watson and Norman getting close in their 50's at The Open. You can't fake 45 wins and 6 majors with these fields. He deserves all the accolades he gets.
The actual number he ranks I don't think is as important as being in the conversation. One thing he definitely is, which is the best left handed golfer of all time.
BTW I'd be curious what his swing speed has been throughout his career, for he hit 177 on his driver yesterday which is ripping it.
My two thoughts exactly are bolded in red. OT, but I did have a conversation with Trevino once, and his historical ranking was quite important to him, even if he ended his musing by saying it was most important to be in the conversation. From memory, he placed himself 6th or 7th, I think discounting more earlier players above him in majors won, on the basis of less competition.
Since he has tied Lee, I guess he would now be at least top 12, based on major wins, maybe inside the top 10 if you subscribe to the "lesser competition" theory about Jones, Hagen, Vardon, Sarazen, etc.
I think those kinds of discussions are ultimately unresolvable, however, taking us back to the "in the conversation is good enough" viewpoint.