Why do people say Rowling is a good writer

Fuck my friend brings me to this channel full of people who treat the Harry Potter series like they're important modern literature.  And when told that J.K. Rowling is a poor writer, they say shit along the lines of "in comparison to who? Shakespeare!?"

And Jesus, older kids and adults who treat them like they're not children's books.  A friend of mine met a young girl who told her that she "reads mature books, like Harry Potter."

It's just a book. People act like it's supposed be some sort of high art! Who cares if it's popular? who cares if it's selling well? It's getting people to read and perhaps, through that, they will find more and may indeed be willing to plumb the depths of the so called "classics."

Everyone needs a hook. You don't start out diving into Tolkein or anything like that. You build up to it. It's introducing young readers into the fantasy world and providing a clever and interesting world for the older crowd. Besides, it's not like Rowling ever would've imagined it being some runaway success.

And who cares if her writing isn't some sort of deep prose written in a manner fitting the turn of the century? It's easy to pick up page turner and honestly, as a casual reader, I prefer that more than anything. She tells the story clearly and smoothly. It works for me.

I don't know... I enjoyed the books. I had adamantly refused to read them initally, but I did get swept in it. And it did keep me occupied for quite awhile.

What is it that sets the "classic" authors apart? Personally I'd rather read fantasy that presented itself with some original ideas or reimagining of things rather than the typical Tolkien-esque schlock that seems to be so common.