This is basically how I feel and thank you for articulating that for me. I just don't think that being atheist should be some sort of defining personality characteristic, and if it is - you've really gone too far with it. I see that list and see a large group of people who have done great work who *happen* to be atheist.
I think making a list like that puts the onus way too much on being atheist other than just being some pretty smart people in their field. I like Dawkins, but I like him because of his work in regards to Evolution science, not because he's an atheist. Honestly, his somewhat militant stance against religion is a bit of a put off. The ONLY thing I care about as being a non-believer is that religion doesn't work its feelers in too deep into government and how society is governed. History has shown us that theocracies pretty much suck donkey balls.
I just feel like lists like these are silly because it puts too much emphasis on the ideology of the person and diminishes the accomplishments they have achieved. I think if you define yourself as an atheist and everything revolves around that you aren't doing yourself enough justice. There are so many more things that make up a person outside of being atheist. I feel that way about race, sexual orientation, religious views, athleticism, talents, etc. They are small parts of a whole that makes us who we are.
If, someday, I develop some amazing thing that benefits mankind (xirkind, sorry, don't want to be too gender specific) and I got put on a list of "top atheists" I'd honestly be pretty pissed - because being an atheist is a small % of what makes up me and who I am.
I dunno, I'm rambling at this point.