I hope you're not suggesting that it was the same size 6-7 years ago. His waist was both under control and a significant contribution to a much better taper than Wheeler.
Coleman's gut is nowhere near what it was in 2003, but regardless, he had a gut, and in my opinion having a gut is not what my ideal bodybuilder represents. Flex had no gut, a tiny waist, a great taper, striated quads, perfectly shaped abs, amazing back detail, christmas tree, and on and on. Coleman looked GREAT at the 01 ASC, but the reality of having a gut just blows it for me.