Honestly most people mentioned havent even played in 2009, they quit many moons ago. I suppose i was one of the only vets that continued playing somewhat actively throughout the years and in all respect i still havent lost a 2v2 / 3v3 tournament or lost in more group fights then i've won on a majority basis, this is not to toot my own ego but to give you an idea, which you already know ive played with you before. Also youre right some vets im sure used scrub plug-ins and other things to enhance their gaming, i mean look at all thats happened to so many players within the last few years, practically the entire shard was using some trash additions to their game clients, and theyve all be humiliated and made public. Like sig said the skill from today and then is different in many ways, back then we didnt off screen much or rely/use on wand sync macros and garbage lightning syncs, we literally stood 5, 6, 7v7 etc with designated healers and took syncs and heals, it was a much better and more honorable time of pvp, way less cheaters really the only hackers were admins or krrios' and his crew lol. Hence why most players from 05/06 era really understand how to heal and strategize etc, but nobody likes to die so inevitably meta game will always change. Look at those chad guys and dmg guys for instance, in a fair honorable fight they wouldnt have a chance with even average players, its very rare to lose a fair fight to them but, the screening, wanding and numbers sure help
So i suppose my rant is this, everyone will post and defend things based off of their experiences and claim they are the "best" or whatever they think, so i suppose my thoughts would be, whoever can do some honorable 3v3 4v4 setups, clean, friendly, no screening, minor wanding ahah etc.. and enjoy the game for what it is, they ok in my book and to me thats what UO was about, minor griefing but ultimatley being the best at whatever the individual thinks is the most challenging aspect of the game, in my case group fighting, calling, and outhealing.