The only thing I found in your rant is that you think runescape was waaaay better back then. I've been playing RS since yo-yo too, and I recognize your thoughts, but if I think about it, it was back when I was a pretty new player. I got excited by travelling through Varrock etc. I remember it as a wonderful time, better than now. But that's not because the game has become worse, it's because my thinking has changed. I've grown almost 6 years older, I got to know the game and all locations. Really, there are no updates that negatively influenced my gaming experience. The GE was a great addition to me, as I didn't merchant anyway. I never Pked, so I didn't mind to see that leaving. Yes there were updates that were not my cuppa teas, but I just ignored 'em. Back then there were botters etc. at least almost all of them are gone now. There were just as many young, lame, annoying players back then as there are now. The only difference is that you and you're friends were part of that community in those times.