Let's back up and talk on how Murali is better than ATG seamers generally. Basically, it's because he's MORE. Him and Warne were the only freak spinners of the previous generation ( Ashwin is one of this generation, especially at home ) who struck at the top seamer's rate, or thereabouts. They weren't a change to the backfoot, as most spinners are. Murali takes it a step further than even Warne, as he averages with the very best seamers of all time. I mean this part is obvious, but when you combine that, with the ability to bowl marathon spells, and you give up so little in terms aggregate average then it's a no-brainer.
For Hadlee in particular, his big claim separating him from other ATG pacers is that he would spearhead and take big wicket hauls with a huge workload for NZ. Um... yeah, he can't reach Murali's level in those attributes (obviously he shouldn't be expected to either). And if you consider Murali's longevity and aggregates, it separates him further.
McGrath is exceptional, because he is possibly the most conditions independent bowler I've seen. Home or away, flat or seamy, he'd just get dudes out cheaply. And he did it with exceptional consistency and longevity. So that's why he's the one exception, and McGoat.
