Dex competed in an era where it was easier to win, no flex, Cormier, levrone, Nasser, lee priest , ray, Yates...and a Ronnie on the decline in his later years. Look at dexs placings when he went up against the ones mentioned...
I have. He's placed 9th twice (1999, 2000), 8 once (2001), 4th three times (2002, 2004, 2006) 3rd twice(2003, 2007), prior to winning the O. And it was against many of those same guys. In 2003, he placed 3rd, defeating Levrone, James, and Cormier in the process. He defeated Nasser in both 2001 and 2002.
Yes he has more muscle but he isn't complete, no calves, and odd torso shape with a gut. Shawn was flawless around 210/215, complete with vacuum classic pose
I believe head to head dex has never beaten Shawn
Shit labrada is one of the best short bbers , much better than dex
Labrada better than Dex? That's a bit of a stretch. Again, Dex has WAY more size, along with good shape and proportions.
As for Dexter's winning the Olympia, if it were "easier" for him, it's not due to competition. It's due to the fact that FINALLY the judges have abandoned that "knock out the champion" mantra.
Prior to Jay Cutler finally beating Ronnie, it'd been 22 years since a defending Mr. O lost on stage.
Counting 2006, we've seen that happen 4 times in the last 7 years:
Cutler def. Coleman (2006)
Jackson def. Cutler (2008)
Cutler def. Jackson (2009)
Heath def. Cutler (2011)
Since Cutler defeated many of those bodybuilders you cited at the O, the fact that Dex beat Cutler for the Olympia cannot be understated. He also beat Cutler for the GNC Show of Strength title in 2003.
And he took his first of three ASC titles at Cormier's expense in 2005.