Band with highest success/talent ratio?

Sure, I'm sick to death of Elton John, too. But no talent? That's just foolish. Remember, he wasn't always a 60-something noodling around with broadway shows.

And I continue to be surprised at the sheer number of people who mentioned the Grateful Dead. Sure, their style doesn't appeal to everyone (whose does?), but they were certainly the best in the style they chose to work in.

I think a big obstacle to this kind of discussion is the ability to divorce one's dislikes from one's gauge of talent, as several have eluded to concerning the Dead and Elton John.
As an exercise I tried to think of a few artists I dislike but think were talented. It was easiest to do this in genres I'm not so beholden to like jazz and classical. For me it was easy to identify Mozart and Charlie Parker. I don't care for their work but have no trouble admitting their prodigious talent. In rock, however, it's more difficult for me to be objective... The closest I can get is maybe Bob Dylan. I like a few of his songs but fail to understand his immense influence. Yet I can see he's a talented songwriter and lyricist.
Who can you admit is or was talented but whose music you can't stand?

You've hit upon it, Achilles. Most just post their dislikes without questioning whether the artist was good at what they did. For instance, 2 artists that I really don't care for at all, but I surely acknowledge their great talent:

Steely Dan
Eric Clapton

I would never describe those 2 as low on talent, however much their music bores me.

Agree with TFKAUDIO. Most post their dislikes.

I will add The Go Go's and The Bangels. I will second the Loverboy vote although I like Loverboy. What about Night Ranger?

Have to agree with those who mentioned the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Def Leppard, Boston, and Bon Jovi.

I can't believe no one mentioned Robert Palmer. He seems to be the definition of this list.

I'll also add:
Judas Priest
Scorpions
Devo
REO Speedwagon
Lenny Kravitz
Journey
Ricky Martin
Ted Nugent
Jefferson Airplane
Spin Doctors
Phish
Toto
Steve Winwood

I'd put Elton John on there in a second as he's about as bad as it gets for me, but even I have to admit he has some talent.