Forgot to mention, back then we would optimize fps for refresh rate. 120Hz CRT monitors with 120 fps constant was the sweet spot for a while (until people started playing in multitudes of 60 fps on LED-based displays). It’s entirely possible that if your fps is not optimal, you can’t clear larger gaps or gain as much momentum in QW/Q3/CPMA or similar.

I’ve never played HLDM or CS, so I’m not that familiar with derivatives in those games.