I think an implicit problem with the inquiry made thus far in this thread is that there is no working definition of "greatness". Specifically, there appears to be confusion regarding whether we are discussing moral greatness or greatness in terms of skill and power. Morgoth, for example, was "great" - he was the greatest being in Middle-earth. But he was not "great" - he was not supremely virtuous.
I think most of the discussion thus far has addressed the question of moral greatness - were the Noldor culpable for leaving Aman; were the Vanyar perhaps inferior because they did not leave Aman, etc. This has, however, been confounded with the question of greatness in power; the cultural achievements of the Noldor and Vanyar have been taken into account. I think that these two questions must be made distinct if any real insight is to be reached.
That's just my view of things - I've not the time at the moment to take a crack at answering the question or responding to the issues raised.
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