if I had SM my way it would be 90s Dark Kingdom [with Rei like her PGSM self] Doom Tree be it's own full season then Manga Black moon [except keep the Ayakashi sisters being healed as seen in 90s ] 90s S Manga Dreams and Manga Stars all blended uncut in it's full glory closely Naoko's vision with the difference having 90s developments on certain characters and villains that the manga didn't have into what I feel would be the perfect version of SM [and when I say manga I do not mean crystal cause even Crystal misses a few beats from the manga]
I agree in many ways. The manga has it's strenghs and flaws and the 90s anime as well. Even Crystal did some things well, especially:
I thought, Crystal would connect both, but so far it failed most of the time. There are only a couple of episodes, based on the manga, who remind me of the spirit of the 90s anime. Among them are:
Act 4: Masquerade - Feels like a filler that gives us some character developement, we see the shitennou together, Moon, Mercury and Mars teaming up, Sailor Moon's new attack...well done episode!
Act 5: Sailor Jupiter - My favourite episode of season 1. Well written, a lot of stuff happens, Makoto's personality get's a great tridimensional introduction, doesn't feel rushed, good action
Ep. 17: Secret- Sailor Jupiter: Feels again like a filler, because we get introduced to a Asanuma, a lot of characters developement here (for SMC). Nicely animated.
Ep. 29: Infinity 2 - Ripples: This episode has it all, well written, well animated, humour, character development, new attacks, mystery...Eudial got killed a bit too quickly, but that's the only thing I'm nitpicking.
Ep. 32 Infinity 5 - Sailor Pluto: This is maybe my favourite episode of SMC. again with a soft Sailor Jupiter focus. It gives me many 90s vibes and the animation is, especially in the 2nd half, perfect. Finally one of the witches transforms into the monster she is.