*Jitterclick* - 1.8 skill
Timing your hits, strafing, jumping - the axe and sword cooldown - 1.9 skill
I think 1.9 requires more skill, but yeah, I'm bad at both soo...
Ah yes, because strafing and jumping are nonexistent in 1.8!
If you know how to aim your mouse, and your index finger is working, you're good at 1.8 pvp. 1.9 for the win!
Suuuuuure. In that case, go to a 1.7/1.8 practice server, get an autoclicker, sit in one spot, and see what percentage of games you win. It's going to be small, because secondaries are MORE important than in 1.9, and movement is still an essential factor.