I haven't played Smash since the 64, but this comes as no surprise to me. Online gaming cultivates that sort of mentality.

Keep to the code, man. Become the best so that you can shame them by fighting with honor and STILL win against their cheap shots.

Yeah people try way too hard at games now. It's depressing. When I played Smash Bros years ago my friends and I did all the dirty underhanded shit ever. Cause we didn't give a fuck it was just fun, it didn't matter who won. One of our favorite shits was to turn items on high and then turn off all items except poke balls and have a pokemon battle.

I keep somewhat close to that code, even online. I main Little Mac and as such, I dont edge-guard most of the time because its too much of a risk for me to be anywhere but the center of the ring. Most people have had some VERY clever ways to attack while hanging on the edge and that just blows my mind, so Im extremely cautious. Little Mac also has a hard time juggling and move spamming so those are out of the question too.

I just make like a boxer and stick close to my opponent and duck and weave, striking at any potential opening.

You should consider Little Mac! The way he was built pretty much supports your code of honor in a way! Sure, he has his HUGE weaknesses, (the edges, terrible jumps and recovery, any air maneuvers whatsoever) but he makes up for it by being a fast, frighteningly strong fighter!

Is it just me or are way too many of the normal arenas walk-off? I don't want to play HARDCOREOMEGA but it's obnoxious getting easy deaths all the time due to positioning. The AI is especially horrible at not noticing when they're right next to the end of the screen if there's ground under their feet.