Ok, thanks for all the answers. Here's what I'm thinking though. I can beat lv 9 CPUs with not much problem, but as soon as I go online it's like a completely different game and I get my butt handed to me. And training to play at a higher level just isn't all that enjoyable. I like smash as a game to have fun with, not to take seriously.
To be completely honest, playing smash casually is just way more fun for me. Items on, stage hazards (even hazardless with items), and all that stuff. Problem is, you need people to play with to make that more fun. CPUs are fine, but talking to people when playing makes for a better experience.
Back in the day I loved smash because I was always playing with my siblings. Now we're grown up and we don't live together so I don't really have anyone to play with these days. Maybe it's just time I put down smash and play more single player games. I still love this series, and will still play it, but I should probably just move on now.