You haven't been subject to what some of these northerners call "bbq". I smoked my Co workers a bunch of ribs and pulled pork once. Ruined them for life.
I have been to 8 of these places. I was hopping to see The Hut in Somerville make it as well as Jacks Creek bbq. But I'm glad to see Helen's, Sam's, Scott-Parker, and Bozos make the list. West TN well represented.
A&R wouldn't make #4 in Memphis for me let alone the entire south. And any list that doesn't include the Germantown Commissary and Central BBQ should be thrown away.