In 2000, they were still winning pretty much by default...
By the way, I don't think Star*94 was bad, but just never good at delivering the chr top 40 sound. They were always good with the adult CHR sound, and I'm glad that they've finally decided to do the sound they know best and go Hot AC - like I've been suggesting numerous times here throughout the year - in 2009. I guess... I'll now add that as #43 on the list of 60 things I've suggested certain stations do that have actually materialized since Dec. 2008.
Anyway, the current Star is fine the way it is, format-wise. I think it's time we forget about Star as a Top 40 CHR and leave that sound to be carried by someone else. I'm glad new players came in to town to take over the mainstream job so Star can focus more on a sound that seems to be more of their expertise. I just hope the new players will let Star be Star and not try to be Star.