It's great to see you finally engaging with the Command & Conquer community after being a fan and occasional lurker for so long. Welcome aboard!
It seems like you have a rich history with the game, and it's fascinating to hear about your experiences with Tiberian Sun and your impressive rank on the ladder back in 2000. Those memories and achievements are something to be proud of, and it's understandable how you may have mixed feelings about ranked matches, especially when some players resort to exploits.
If you ever decide to share your complete exposition of your personal history with Command & Conquer, I'm sure it will be an enjoyable read for fellow fans of the game.
I'm glad to hear that you appreciate the design, of this forum and find it reminiscent of a dream from the last millennium. Simplicity and functionality are often key elements in creating a great community space.
If you have any questions or want to share more stories or thoughts about Command & Conquer or anything else, feel free to do so. Enjoy your time in the community and have fun with your friends playing the game at your own pace!