Hi,
Theoretical physics, or more narrowly astrophysics, has always been a joust like this.
I reckon Higgs is being a bit cranky and severe on Hawking, who at least agrees that there is a good chance either one is wrong.
I am rather glad that I will probably see an outcome of some sort from the LHC in my lifetime, and I hope Higgs and Hawking do too.
All that aside, have you seen Ed Witten on the telly? He has a most interesting screen persona, sort of a cross between Robin Williams and Henry Kissinger
Cheers