Can you reliably tell the difference in a double blind test?
And choosing to compare against AW1 rather than a newer title which still didn't require this kind of bullshit (like Control) says enough about what kind of faith you come into this with.
Can I tell the difference between 2008 games and 2022 games in a blind test?
yes. I had a 7850, then 280. I was an early adopter of gsync etc. I returned a 295x2 unopened (for $450 or something, regret) to game for $270 XB270HU IPS and 780 Ti for $185 after maxwell launched. I've had 1080, I've had 1080 Ti, I know what I'm talking about.
And choosing to compare against AW1 rather than a newer title which still didn't require this kind of bullshit (like Control) says enough about what kind of faith you come into this with.