Congratulations WAR. It was well deserved.

The only measuring stick I use is the amount of fun I'm having. From this, WAR wins for me.

Based on the other games I've tried this year, here's my runner up list from an MMO standpoint. I'm deviating from the article's premise in that they all weren't just released.

Eve Online
This is an amazing game. It's complex, though, and I don't think I'm either smart enough or patient enough to play it. I'm still fascinated by it. 8)

Age of Conan
This was a really fun game with a lot of innovation and the best combat system out there. Their delivery was less than stellar, however. It's improved greatly but the lack of population still hinders it.

WoW
I had a lot of fun with WoW. Unfortunately, I spent too many hours trying to find something fun to do once I got relatively deep into end game. The constant grinding they provide for entertainment finally lost its appeal. A very weak, personal epeen based PvP model and a community composed of a very vocal minority of idiots also did it in for me.

D&D Online
I tried this early on and liked it, just not enough to stick with it. It was rather unique and I love the D&D universe. As I understand it, they have morphed it into a totally different game by now. It may be worth a try again.

Pirates of the Burning Sea
I downloaded it and started the free trial. It wasn't bad at all, but it never hooked me and reeled me in.