They’re tier 1 for sure IMO. Not to say they are some powerhouse in NA. But they are fighting for Masters slots regularly, IMO if you are doing that you are Tier 1. Until they stop doing that, then IMO it’s time to start the conversation of not being tier 1.
They might be underachieving, or not beating teams easily. But they are still beating tier 2 teams and fighting for Masters slots. That’s tier 1 IMO.
It’s also not like Noble are a bunch of scrubs. I think this should just be a wake up call to teams and fans that the tier 2 scene is not some far group of teams away from Tier 1. But can and will go on runs and play spoiler to tier 1 teams regularly.
This is a win for NA as a whole. As it shows the scene is not as top heavy as many believe.