i've seen dudes come and go, in and outta the gym on gear. IMO its the battle between the tortoise and the hare.....the guy that keeps on a continuous diet, pumps hard, and limits (if not ceases) drinking, will prevail over time against the guy that dabbles in anabolic. With the guy that is natural, there is no "off" period associated w coming off gear. He never takes that "step back" in his training. Obviously, if a guy is a heavy user and is continuous w it, he will make gains.......but the "tortoise" will be trucking along, close behind.
I have nothing against the use if thats one's choice. But i honestly think that a natty can and will make mega progress if given the right diet and is consistent about his training..........and it doesn't happen overnight.
Naturals can be big in the off-season, however they lose most of their mass when cutting down. That's why they look like shit.