Well since we are going down memory lane, I liked how Soul Calibur 2 gave options to me rather than restrict options like what the sequels has done.
If you couldn't keep up with the speed and safety present in the game system, it is your problem, not the game's shortcoming.
Anyone can choose to play "5-moves" in Soul Calibur 2 and if it works for them at competitions level, good for them BUT that was not the only way you could play the various characters to win.
I would say the game had something for everyone, with many treasures to discover for each character, and that was what made it so successful. So give credit where credit is due.