Let’s not pretend that all things are equal.
In the 90’s I had a ProFlex and a Zaskar LE. I thought both were amazing.
Then I got a very basic Trek Xcaliber, from the mid 2010’s and was blown away by how much more capable it was.
I’m on a Yelli Screamy now, and it’s light years beyond the Trek.
Especially for technical climbing. I’m constantly blown away at what I’m getting over and what I’m not falling off on. It’s a gigantic difference.
Skills matter but it’s dishonest to run around telling someone they just need better technique. Sometimes our gear really does hold us back.