maybe because ppl had a different taste of gaming platforms and graphics. back in my elementary days, i used to play Ragnarok Online with my guildies before playing dota1
what I've noticed is that before, we played it for what it is, KKND was one of the things I wanted to play when I was a I kid. I missed those days man. Also when Leeroy Jenkins was a hit topic in WoW. XD