Is it possible to compare a violin sonata with a symphony by Mahler that requires a factory-load of musicians to play it? Does somebody get brownie points if they are able to write parts for lots of other instruments - but their work is just a bit plonking in the tune department?
I know 'it all depends' and that in any case one shouldn't rank composers, as opinion is subjective.
Nevertheless, I'd be interested in hearing people's ruminations - as a personal response or because they know a bit about composing or orchestras - as to how important the arrangement of a piece for orchestra is for a composer's reputation or effectiveness.
I frankly don't think it matters. A big part of my profession is orchestration so I hear through the instrumentation. For example, I can hear Rachmaninoff's piano preludes are orchestral works written for the piano. So when I hear a symphonic work that was composed for piano I understand an intention or subtext in the music. Another example, Shostakovich's Suite for Two Pianos (op. 6) is a very symphonic work. I can even hear the percussion. In contrast, Mozart's Piano Sonata No 11 is very much a piano work.
This is still (fun) & interesting after ca; 50 years...
https://bernstein.classical.org/features/ypc3-what-is-orchestration-video/
P.