How strong are this years qualifiers?

The initial reaction to this year's draw was 'buck, the non-seeds are so strong this year'. Going by rankings, they are. But are they really much stronger than previous years gone by, if at all, or would most of them have been ranked much lower had they been playing ten years ago?

Let's have a look

Ding Junhui: World class, obviously the stand-out qualifier
Liang Wenbo: Good, but would be shocked if he made it any further than the quarter-finals. Will probably go out before the last eight.
Kyren Wilson: Very good player. Could make the one table stage.
Ryan Day: Good, but well behind the top 12 or so in the world.
Robert Milkins: Shouldn't be anywhere near 21st in the world at this stage in his career.
David Gilbert: See Milkins
Graeme Dott: Past his best, but still a tricky opponent for some seeds. Probably unlikely to make quarter-finals.
Michael Holt: Terrible crucible record. Fodder for most seeds.
Alan McManus: Experienced, but ancient
Anthony McGill: Talented, but has seriously disappointed up to this point this season.
Ali Carter: Experienced crucible specialist who can still pack a punch if his recent form can be trusted. Not a good draw for anyone but O'Sullivan.
Peter Ebdon: At least ten years past his best.
Robbie Williams: Journeyman with poor crucible record. Fodder for the top players.
Sam Baird: Good to watch, but highly suspect under pressure. Unlikely to trouble any of the seeds.
Zhang Anda: Talented, but terribly inconsistent.
Mitchell Mann: Has never been beyond the last-32 in a ranking event.

Is the field as strong as we first thought?

Good analysis mate.

Probably you're right, but still, I think we'll see quite a few seeded players go out first round. Might not be the record of 8, but I can see at least 5 or 6 of them going out.

Think you've got much of that right, but I think slightly stronger in some respects - don't agree with the Milkins / Gilbert comparison - I think Gilbert if he works hard enough could still improve like Bingham has. His continued move up the rankings makes me think he IS still working hard at his game. And I think with the form they're coming in with, both Williams and Baird could be a threat to all but the top few seeds, although I do see the risk of nerves failing to hold.

SUPER STRONG!