Exactly.
Tl;Dr: I like the Mata best because they were back when Bionicle was simpler.
You do realize that has nothing to do with whether the sets were great, right? I agree that the characters were definitely some of the greatest (mostly because they weren't rushed and in a hectic universe, but still), but using this to justify the sets' greatness is at least as bad as the ones Bfahome posted.
I agree with you so much Bfahome. Like. I personally didn't like the Mata because tbh they weren't very good sets. I like their masks and weapons, yes. But I didn't like the sets. Because of this people bring up the ALL the arguments you presented. So glad you posted this <3