I know the Jackson Rhoads guitars had been out since the early 80s, but am not sure on the gear. For me, this is the obvious answer but even then thanking Rhoads directly seems weird. Must be someone the band knew with the same name.

Richie undoubtedly knew who Rhoads was, and maybe was influenced by him. But was that influence great enough to include him on the liner notes over other influences Richie has been far more vocal about over the years?