I was saying sorta what you're saying Subsonic. But dio, I do agree with you that sometimes items can be really cheap. That's why unless it's a random fun (at parties) match, we turn of the cheap items (the fan, that rocket launcher, and a few others). But most of us agree that being able to win regardless of the random items is a true test of skill.
Except, of course, in 1-vs.-1
When there's only two people, the items get really irritating. Sometimes, depending on which characters we're using, we put very low occurrences of smash balls on. But that's only if no one's sonic, fox/falco/wolf, wario, or Zero (a hacked version of Link who's final smash is a super mode similar to warios)
I used to think that items were unbalancing and NEVER played with them. But incorporating random factors into your strategy really strengthens your skill level. If there are at least 3 people, it makes it a much more enjoyable experience to me.
The thing i don't like is a few of those really evil stages (I'm looking at you spear pillar and big blue). Big blue is fun for a party match, but in serious play it is just evil. It was better in mele, since the characters were lighter and recovered faster. But in brawl that road is death. But if it's any sort of serious match, we always go to final destination or a custom stage that's pretty much a GIANT final destination.
I do see what your point is though, Dio.