Why was exo considered 3rd gen when BB and SNSD was dominating?

I think this just says that EXO transcends generations! AYYY 2ND GEN AND 3RD ENJOYING EXO

Quote from nevermindmejin

I thought it’s because SM stans love to change their idols’ gen to fit their narrative. Exo can’t compete with Bigbang and SNSD to they are 3rd gen. NCT can’t compete with BTS so they are 4th gen.

I’m seeing a pattern here.

... Should this be considered trolling or baiting? If not, that's some weird thinking but not the weirdest thought I've read by some BH/HYBE stans that have a hate/grudge thing against SM and SM groups

Not sure why everything shady happening is considered to be done by SM or SM stans - that feels too much like how ignorant, superstitious people in medieval times blamed everything bad happening on the devil or witches or whatever minority group they hated and wanted persecuted

Competition has nothing to do with whatever generation a group is part of, I thought that was obvious to anyone. But apparently not

EXO in their peak years actually did better than all other boy groups incl Big Bang in various areas.

As for NCT, they're regarded as 3rd gen afaik. They're doing pretty great so far, and they keep growing, which is nice for them