There is no question that 1.0 was graphically superior. The fate trains would not be possible if the graphics were not downgraded.

Copy paste terrain aside , 1.0 was beautiful. I don't have my screenshots right now or I'd post. I remember the individual chain mail links glistening when hit with light. The sky and cloud lighting effects were dynamic and had intense glare. Everything felt like it had volume and substance.

Again though, with the kind of game ARR is now, the graphical heaviness of 1.0 had to be sacrificed.