I'm also a big fan of Kai Tracid/Tracid Traxxx.
I still class Hardstyle as Hard trance. To me, i just think of Hardstyle as another angle to the scene - which is good.
Personally, the TRUE Bangin' German Trance sound is better than anything in the world. Nothing can compare to it. But its good we have this variety from The Italians and now Dutch. Cos we a few years ago it was all German.
The thing about the Uplifting stuff, its just labels like Tracid Traxx etc etc etc etc etc haven't been producing as much. Also they had that phase of producing quite light stuff and somewhat commercial.
I.E - Hennes and Cold - 'Get Down' Angel of Death - 'Angels Return' etc etc etc etc etc ........i'll not go on or i'll be hear all day!!