If we are comparing spar from 2013 to what it is now, then massive change in server lag/increase in population brang new meta of spar (defense/delay). Not many forigners delayed to the extent they do now so playing more aggressive was usually the better play. Not a big "pro" playerbase so manly got lots of noobs for easy ratio (at least during Australian times it was). Was more fun to spar though in 2013. But I prefer sparring in 2017 since it feels more competitive imo