The numbers before were still better than average. The drugs may have helped, I don't really know what he really used, and what he really believed them to be. But he also has had himself on a strenuous work out routine of over 4 hours per day for many years, which may have helped as well.
On the contrary to what you say, MANY here disagree that he is loaded with talent. Many people, led by the MSM, have had a campaign to tear him down for much of his career. His dislike of the media has been well documented, and as most of us on FR know, the media can do a pretty good job of tearing people down whether they be sports personalities or politicians. He has been portrayed as less than pleasant, so many like to use him as a whipping boy. Technically he has not admitted to using enhancing drugs, which is part of what annoys folks. I do agree with you that using anything to enhance himself does shed a negative light, and it is sad. But I don't think it should bring out the venom many here show.
I remember him in Pittsburgh... Everybody knew he was special.
I just googled "Barry + Bonds + admits = " Bonds admits he used a clear substance and a cream that was supplied to him by his trainer, but he didn't know the substances contained steroids."
As a former athlete.Athletes are really aware about what goes into the machine. He knew what he was doing.
4 hour workouts... I would say he was not working out with any intensity. If he was working out with a lot of intensity, he would need more than protien powder and vitamins to recover. Things slow down as we age. Recovery is one of those things.
As far as the media goes... I would hate them to. If in the same situation. I cannot say I would be helpful to that beast. I kind of admire his disdain for the media.
I make my own decisions and I stick to them... Sometimes it takes me a while to process the info. but I do the best I can and I am always learning.