"the one",
They didn't take away every advantage of the EVO. They added reliability and probably kept the weight the close to the same(ie. they got rid if the awd). They also gained uniqueness.
U'r right the traction on the street has gone to shit, but like you said, slicks and vht will fix that.
First off, there is nothing about the Evo that is unreliable, so lets no deflamate the cars character. If you ask me they made it unreliable with all the altered wiring, conversions etc... That chasis was not made for that type of power/tq transfer. The Evo in itself is a unique beast, so in my eyes and just my OPINION they did nothing but take away from it.
If you start with a chasis that was incapable of reaching such goals on its own and make it accomplish something that it couldn't before... That to me is impressive and unique... And I'm excluding wheel stands
Keep in mind, its just my opinion