At 2.0 Flash was craptastic, weaker than it is now. And not just flash, a number of abilities were buffed for aggro generation; CoS, Savage Blade, Shield Oath, and Shield swipe off the top of my head. Yes DPS have also been buffed but from what I've seen threat generation and aggro management is only easier now. I levelled and started gearing with a full VIT mindset and a never-lose-aggro mantality (which I could care less about now) so the nerf to our AP doesn't even factor in for me.

I'm not saying it's always easy to manage aggro, but you can manage aggro if you're paying attention. My standard has always been Shield Lob > Flash X 2 > Aggro combo. No more flash unless new mobs are introduced. Watch enemy HP and aggro meters and land hits exactly where they're needed. If you're depending on flash to outdo single target DPS, that's where you're going wrong. Also, fight or flight may have a special place for topping out your DPS, but the trick to hate management is getting a head start, so pop it as you pull if you have aggro concerns and you can start using it for DPS after that. I can't tell you how many tanks have argued this with me over the years only to watch them lose hate on the pull and kill someone.

"Why, back in my day..."