I do think that ML had an advantage over power players like FZD with the older ball, where as players like FZD do have an advantage over ML with the newer ball (that, or ML advantage has reduced). However, his switching gears to a more powerful blade definitely helped close that gap and level the playing field (I don't believe any of the viscaria players have switched to a blade faster than that!)
I don't consider the new ball insurmountable by players using all wood blades like XX and ML. I've stated here several times that switching to stronger gear is very critical, especially if the other dominant style players don't switch (from viscaria). I don't think you will lose the touch that all wood players like, I think you will find the same touch in a faster bat because the ball is heavier, and the change isn't going to be a change in style, merely shifting further down the spectrum to regain that what you originally had.