I didn't say is was the SAME, I said it was close. You guys act like it's a different game online. Yes there is less AA and less pokes, but spacing and combos are the same.
Combos aren't the main factor in match-ups. Also, spacing is significantly affected by counter-poking and AA (due to jump ins and whatnot). So you can't really say pokes and AA's are affected but spacing is the same.
In fact I'd argue that this game is mainly about counter-poking and anti airs, especially given how powerful jump ins and crossups are.
So yeah, when you're playing online, and taking away poking/counter-poking and AA, the match-ups are different.