I personally think the comparison is there because he's seen as the best player in the US, possibly in the West (certainly none as popular) whereas Daigo is without a doubt the best in Japan and the East, and IMO, the world. And like you say meowchi, he shows dignity and respect for whoever he fights against and whoever he uses. Can't say the same about Wong.
I like how at the end of each fight Daigo just picks up his man bag, offers a handshake and then he's on his way. He's like Ryu, always travelling to fight the next competitor lol
And speaking of good sportsmanship:
I lol'd at this vid. The taunting, the comeback, the 'dance', the commentary. Gotta love it when people take the game so serious.