1) The coolest feeling in the world is when I got into it as a newbie. For the first few years, it was like an adrenaline rush of fun. I'm not sure if it's different now, but that's how it felt starting out in the 90's. Do you newer generation guys still feel this way?
I still love everything, but that initial feeling has since gone as i've aged and goals have changed. I would probably get that feeling if I met certain people I respect and like in our subculture, or getting to train with them. Disclaimer: Again, I still love this stuff, or I wouldn't even be on the forums. I think what helped back in the day was that when I started out as a teen, it was right before the internet came about, so we had the magazines and all those involved with them. Once the internet came on in the 90's, all those guys we liked and loved from the magazines were on the boards (mfw, EF, UG, Meso, Gade, etc). You went from reading guys like Duchaine in the magazine to collaborating with them on forums, it was surreal and a trip. Those were good days, and I sadly believe they may be gone? New guys? Look at the forum here, we have Emeric, Shelby was on this post, bboy, and others...kind of cool, and i hope it still gives the same feeling to others?
2) Kind of what everybody else wrote...the advancements in nutrition, training, and some of the supplementation. How my body changes as it ages from 20 years ago, and making the adjustments to stay healthy and hopefully looking good. lol.
3) It fascinates me that the basics, whether it be training or gear use, are still the bread and butter of what works best today. Take gear for example, Test/nandrolone/dbol/anadrol/anavar/Eq/winstrol/Tren et al, are the bread and butter of what was used back in the 90's, and it's still the case today, outside of maybe 1-2 compounds like Superdrol, MENT, and maybe 1-2 others. For training......get stronger each year, whether it be high or low reps, don't hurt yourself, and stay consistent with it for many years.
4) The more health conscious direction it's taken, whether it's followed or not. There are so many avenues to take care of your health today, than there was 20-30 years ago. Whether it be supplements, responsible gear use toward intended goals, lab availability, ability to get labs anonymously, and many others preaching stuff for health.
I could add a lot more, but i'll stop there. I wish all the good people i've met over the last 20-25 years on these forums were still around and doing well.