I'm not sure how well WAR compares across generations. For example, I don't think Ruth was THAT much better than Williams (183.8 vs. 123.2). I think that with the larger talent pool and improved training methods, the difference between the best and replacement level has been shrinking over time. I know there are more teams, but the increased population, the integration or the game, and internationalization have more than offset it. Another (bigger) problem is career WAR is basically as counting stat. Looking at who would be in vs who would be out should give you some pause. If Jeter retires now, he's out. Berra' out. Koufax is out - he's in line behind Jimmy Key, Jamie Moyer, and Kenny Rogers. If your methodology says Koufax should be waiting in line behind Kenny Rogers to get into the Hall, you need a new methodology.