First, you do realize Pearl never played with DC.
Yes, Pearl, Sherm, DC, and Billy were good. Arguably better than Dion, MCW, Fab, and DC2. However, these good players came several years apart- Pearl, then DC 3 years later, then 2 years and Billy. MCW, Rak, DC2, all within two years.
Your posts appear star centric. Remember the revered '89 squad pg? Who do you recall, Mike Edwards or Stevie? Ouch, those would have been the 5th alternative this last year. And in '87 when Sherm was sick, the result was a loss to RI. No depth and poor foul shooting has its drawbacks.
You remember the stars from the past and forget the warts. And for the recent squads you see the warts and downplay the stars. Seems like there is a lot in common with the generation remembering thing.