This is objectively not true. The graphics are exponentially better, there are insane quality-of-life improvements (shared stash, fast swapping between cube/inventory/stash, etc.)
Of course, it is worth playing. It is still the same magical game it was back in the early 2000s. The only shitty thing is fhr was gutted and pvp sucks now.
I can work through those issues by using my brain and being picky with what items i keep. I'm sure the auto switch/stash thing is great for botters, but the game is not made for bots, but for human beings. That's just part of the charm.
So yes ... objectively, it IS true.