More than anything, I think it's the great soundtrack that's influencing alot of my judgement there. Love Jazz, which is why I love the 60's/70's Charlie Brown shows as well.
"Make pain your best friend, and you'll never be alone."
I've rewatched quite a few shows from that time over the past few recent years and Hey Arnold is the one I feel has held up the best. The soundtrack is definitely part of it.
http://imgur.com/hslUvRN.jpg
When I sin I sin real good.
when you say 'animation goat', do you mean favorite show from that time or show you feel is animated best? because i liked hey arnold but i don't see it competing with ren and stimpy in animation.
in terms of cultural impact and joke quality and writing i think it has to go to the 90s swathe of simpsons episodes.