Jaffe is worshiped at the level he is on gaf because he encourages it.
Mickey Mania, Twisted Metal and God of War are a good track record. Other devs have good track records as well, but approach the public differently.
I think there is also an element of each group or camp of fanbase/identity needing heroes like the other groups have. You sort of look at what devs have been mostly aligned with your camp and pick out the better ones to put them on the pedestal against rival heroes. Newer players like Sony and MS have had fans quick to do this to put themselves on the same level as older companies like Nintendo and Sega.
If you look at the hype and timing of the first Metal Gear Solid, you can see how it was put on a pedestal to coincide with Zelda. Some devs might look at this and laugh, not caring, but some have personalities like Jaffe and indulge it.
