I feel like we saying the same thing. 2018s weren't perfect but ppl bought them for the Nike air. When I said loved them the caveat was the flaws like shape, EP, ETC. Those issues didn't stop me or others from copping and they were better than 2011s.
Everyone loved and wanted the 2018s back in the day, flaws and all. I love my pair and still wear them. That said, I'm excited for the 2024 even though it might miss the true OG mark according to some of the pics we have. I do wish they had the shape and EP height of the WC reimagined as those...