Bill Pearl, as many know, has admitted to doing a cycle of Dianabol back when he first found out about them....from Dr Ziegler himself, if I recall...it's in his book anyway.
Perhaps he did take some drugs, perhaps he didn't. I think that he's a great role model for bodybuilding because he obviously didn't roid out like the trend that followed, ie, Arnold's time.
I think that Pearl is among the last of the great "naturals", but even still...imagine what the bodybuilding scene today would be like if his body was the standard. Remember that Bill Pearl is a genetic freak able to put on muscle MUCH more easily than his peers....there would probably only be 10 pro's in the ranks if there were NO drugs and only the absolute genetic best competed. That's where I put Bill Pearl, among the best in the mild usage category.
That's why the IFBB has no problem with drugs...with drugs, literally anyone can compete and look somewhat good. Of course the genetic guys will rise to the top, but if there were no drugs?...only the
ACTUAL best would be there. And due to the much more stringent diet and yes, harder work for less results would discourage most people trying to 'make it' ....for a fact, there would be nowhere NEAR the amount of money there is today.
But I agree that Bill Pearl was and IS awesome...and if you don't agree, well...don't agree.