Here's an example of what I'm talking about. With the harmonics and more subtle sounds, notice the fingerpicking. The actual pick is held back for the more complex and rapid playing. Once he goes beyond Mach 1, or the speed of sound, notice its 100 percent flatpicking.
Take the time to watch most of it.
And then ask yourself if anyone on this planet could do this without a pick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnqpOFcBiMM