I feel like Hakuho's "evil streak" needs to be factored in to his greatness as well. His entertainment value goes way up because of this.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but a lot of people don't like him because of his "bad boy" antics such as not always acting Yokazuna-like outside of the ring, and his penchant for giving his opponents extra shoves after he's beaten them cleanly. Because of this he has the whole, some people watch to see his greatness, others watch to hope to see him fail, thing going on.
Personally, I love it. It's perfectly summed up by that situation a few Bashos ago where on the final match of the final day, Hakuho faced fellow Yokozuna Harumafuji. If he won the match, he won the tournament, but if he lost, he would be tied for first place with Kisenosato (who was looking for a tournament win to be promoted to Yokozuna himself), and have to immediately face him in a tie-breaker match.
Kisenosato watched from ringside. The fans were ecstatic. With so much on the line, this match would surely be a barn burner! The match starts...and Hakuho fakes Harumafuji out and sidesteps his initial charge. Harumafuji goes flying out of the doyo in one second without even touching his opponent. Hakuho wins. Kisenosato walks away in disappointment. The crowd boos. The announcers are silent.
And I couldn't wipe the shit-eating grin off of my face. The greatest ever had just trolled everyone. No fucks given.