I agree with the general point of Kir's post also.
Most of us are older now and have responsibilities so we can't mud like we used to. So with our limited mud time, most players like the greater range of zones and abilities that the buffer forms of each class used to offer. I feel this way myself. From a zone viewpoint, this is usually fine as new, buffer zones can be created to challenge groups or chars-essentially just keep upping the bar as groups get stronger. What was yesterday's elite zone becomes today's high level zone etc.
I guess the issue with all the inflation of character power comes from trying to balance player versus player. Offence gets even more ahead of defence when the offensive potential of characters is raised and I am not sure how to grabble with that in a meaningful way.
I just know I like to have a strong solo char personally because time and life restricts my ability to be grouping.
That is my two cents.
Kragg