Yeah I actually love this tournament, and take it very seriously. 500s and 250s may be mickey mouse, but Masters Titles are pretty awesome, and World Tour title is becoming more and more prestigious really. Obviously no Slam though.
The only hole it has is a lot of players are too tired by the end, but considering the ATP are rescheduling the tour next year, and ending the year earlier, hopefully more players will come in fresh.
Rafa obviously had the better year, but on indoor hard Fed, when he's 100% motivated, is the better player on that surface. Rafa may have taken over Murray and Novak though, which is nice. He definitely used to be behind all three on indoor hard.