I used to play around 2009, (on an older account) and shaman seemed like one of the hardest and most rewarding things to pull off.
With the new skills players are making all sorts of short cuts that make their job too easy.

What exactly happened? Suggesting the skill system back then would be quickly discouraged.

non relatable but tfm existed in 2010, not in 2009

You can still do the original stuff from 2010 i think.
It's probably because players thought it was to hard to build.
And because most players thought it was to hard. In came the new skill trees.
To me, i think their useful at times.
Good to farm cheese.
And good for survivor.
But right now, i'm trying to improve my divine with just the long plank.
(With the Fast skills e.t.c but nothing giving spawning skills except the long plank).
If that made sense.
~Angel