Conversely, you could say that between 2002-2004 the referees allowed teams to interfere in the ruck and slow the speed of the game down inordinately, thus allowing defensive sides to gain the ascendancy.
The fact that the NRL recorded its highest average attendances in 2005 reflects the fans' appreciation for the faster flow of the game and attacking footy that it encouraged.
True. My only suggestion is that the teams that were competitive before 2002 were still competitive in 2002 which indicates the rule changes did not massively advantage or disadvantage teams.
I don't mind the NRL trying to improve the game but they way overdid it in 2005. They even acknowledged as much by slowing down the play the ball in 2006. Tigers were the beneficiaries of a temporary rule change and I don't rate their premiership victory.
And I appreciate that unlike the "lol@dice" simpletons that you do actually understand something about rules affecting teams chances.