I started playing very early (around Legends) and quit around Ice Age; this was the standard belief at that time too. Of course, we didn't really have the internet anyway. Winning decks occasionally got published in magazines, but the resources simply weren't there for netdecking to be an issue. I suspect as it became easier and easier it moved from taboo to the norm. When I initially played, I never would have thought of buying a premade deck; now I can pick up any of the ones that are sold and have a fun game with them, without any of the commitment that caused me to quit, and the deck will be better than one I could make myself.