Counter Strike: Source... is it still hot?

I believe the last version I played was counter strike 1.6, which I believe it was the last version before the retail version started to came out.

I would like to know how counter strike experience has changed since.

Obviously better graphics..

What I would like to know is the online experience.

some specific questions would be..

1. I know that talking with your headphone gear was just starting from my last play... which was seriously annoying...

I'm assuming it's all over the place now?

2. I remember there was a server that ran like Warcraft Mods, which is still counter strike, but lets you suck blood off of the person your shooting, have 10x powered up granades.. etc.

Are they still around?

If you've been playing since the old 'beta' days, please, fill in the blanks for me. :)