When Jagex released the 'better' version of PC I heard rumors that the melee experiance was halved while on the island. Is this true for mage and range as well?

They are talking about the experienced recieved per point I believe. This is because you get more points per game. The experience gained while fighting in-game however is unchanged as far as I know.

so i would still get 4 exp per damage dealt while using mage (without defense)?

The update jagex made to pest control is the pest point reward exp. you get less exp there.

 

 

 

the other update is sheils on portals & level req boats.

 

 

 

the in game exp hasn't changed

Well I guess it is back to ancienting some mobs then, thanks.

Actually, when I checked it out, it seemed as if I was only getting 3 experience per damage... maybe I was wrong, but I think they did cut down the xp.