Interesting thread. I read all of it.
I do think Dexter winning smaller shows would still be going out on top.
I honestly think Ronnie should have gotten into condition for 1-3 smaller shows in 2008, then retired. Even doing both the Aussie and New Zealand Pro that year [I think they had NZ], and then retiring would have been a good call. Tell Tony to tell thee judges down under that he's retiring after the two contests, come in in the best condition possible, and retire on two W's.
It would have made all his comeback talk more plausible, and still be a way to sort of retire on top.