If I read correctly - does this mean that before RingCT was introduced in Jan 2017,
all transactions on Monero's blockchain are completely traceable?
I.e. ring signatures did not work to hide the transaction amounts or sender.
No, you should reread it. Some may be and most of them would be pool payments but nice soft fud attempt.
So much hate towards Monero. I wonder why is that? hardly a day passes by without you being FUDed, trolled or threatened with an attack.
They really think they can keep the price down to accumulate that way.