People keep saying it's 'better', but have not really given a reason yet. When asked the only response is that the 'framework(???)' is good, or they completely avoid question and say how "it's still a new server, new content is coming, and/or the game doesn't really start until after hitting level 85+"
As for balancing on LIVE and CLASSIC, I go back to my original statement about how it would have just taken a little bit of effort to accomplish.