I agree about the quality, which is especially impressive considering the short span to get things written then posted. I know for me having such a short time frame makes me buckle down and sharpen my focus writing wise.

Oh gosh, yes, AO3. I remember so clearly it being posited way back when LJ was starting its nonsense, but it also feels like it's been there forever

I totally agree. It does feel like it's been there forever, and when I think back to multiple personal websites, web rings and posting fic on LJ. It makes you wonder how people found anything to read at all. But of course they did, it's just, A03 makes it so much easier.