I whole heartedly agree with your statement as some one who has been reading this forum and lurking since 1997, the aforementioned names plus some more I have really enjoyed learning a lot from...there are other greats in here on other levels but when it comes to policy your point is spot on.

Been really surprised at what I have seen on this board lately...like some people forgot things they said from 5 to 15 years ago, or those who weren't here and just come to naysay, it's just more work to wade thru the trolling and bullsh!t nowadays to keep with the real topics at hand.
Used to have a lot of great threads on here relating to policy, futures and data collection with some good jabs and good hearted light moods. I see more defaming attitudes lately, potshots and general childishness. Says a lot about even the super old school forums nowadays.