I'm hoping I can get some opinions about what people feel about feats for retired characters trying to compete against new figures. I have never used feats because I always feel it was to much, and took away from the game. I feel the same way about the gauntlet (that's a different topic for a different day). Furthermore, dark avengers has been my favorite team to play, and they have been a force to be reckoned with, until now. I am on a 5x losing streak with them against a friend I play with all the time. It certainly could be just coincidence, but base on what I used to do with them...I don't think so. We all know the point scale is different for new figures when it comes to powers, abilities, and most of all stats. Since my last game I took a look at the feats, and instantly thought things could have went very different if I had used them.

So my question to you is, do old figs require feats to stand a chance now? Or is that even going to make a difference?

...or maybe I just suck

I feel like Feats are essential in Golden Age play PERIOD. I don't care if you're using the new Sentry, or an old Green Goblin. Feats are an integral part of Golden Age games.

Also, are you asking "Do older figures need feats to compete with newer figures?" Well, I have asked myself that many times. It intrigued me to the point I made a tourney about 18 mos ago like this: each player brings 2 teams 1 made up of Retired figures only and was allowed to use BFC's, feats, and retired Special Objects. The other team was Modern figures only with Modern Legal elements only (Pre-Gauntlet). At the beginning of the game both players roll 2 dice, highest chooses whether they play Golden or Modern team, opponent has to play opposite. I don't remember the exact records but I believe there was 8 players, 3 games each so around 24 games and Modern won 19-20 of them.

Lastly, Feats change EVERYTHING. Playing without feats, in Golden Age, is kind of like saying "Yeah, I don't use powers, just stats" imo.

Most do, but not all. I would recommend playing with feats if given the opportunity, but they're not a necessity. Ult. Thor, Ghost Widow, (E) Legacy Joker, and KC Magog can still hold their own.