Crate rape is a myth. The best roper wins more then 9/10. If you watch replays, pay attention to how many oldschool ropers bitch about crates compared to other ropers. Its the new omfg SPACE! Unfortunately w:a's rules and roper scheme is flawed. There is a easy fix for people bitching about crates but no one wants to hear it.
As for maps, we were using harder maps then anyone uses today, on w2, 8 years ago at least and with only 12 second turn time and much more fd, with blocks being allowed.
Unfortunately I don't remember playing Volcom, so I can't attest to anything or have an opinion on that. But, I would love to have seen the best w:a ropers play the best w2 ropers. I know I would bet on Dizzy or Revival owning Volcom or anyone else from that era.
Different games and we had a head start on roping and its just opinions but its fun to think about