Christ, this is why people hate '08ers (and why I try to avoid the Brawl forums altogether).
I feel kind of like a foreigner coming in here, because over the years I repeatedly faded into and out of the Melee competitive scene, and eventually stopped visiting the Melee forums except to find a tournament here or there.
Mantis, we're not dealing with life or death, with the meaning of life or the secrets of the universe, or the defense of freedom and liberty. We're talking about Super Smash Bros., a video game. Don't bring this talk of "honor" and "character" into the matter. It's just a game. It is a game that people try to play competitively so they can win. If an underhanded tactic is the way to win, then by all means! Use it! There are a few that cross the line (and thus, are banned in competitive play). But if it is allowed, then use it!
It is also not true to say that "if you're smart and good, you can beat anyone" (especially without "underhanded tactics", as you call them). If that were true, there would be no purpose to creating tier lists or using some characters over others.