Audioquest WEL innerconnects are the older models the same as current model?

Yes, the cable is the same. The connectors have undergone an upgrade, the old ones had a sort of rubbery finish that marked easily. The new ones are metallic and shiny

Also if you ever get offered an AQ Horizon cable that's actually the same wire as WEL but in a different colored sheath -- there was a copyright issue with the name "Horizon" so it became WEL Signature

Anyway if you are ever in any concern ask the seller to ship them back to AQ for a once over and re-termination, AQ will do this at any stage for modest cost ($250 or so) and also certify the cable as authentic. AQ will also cut long lengths into shorter ones -- I had a 15M pair that became a 9M pair and 3 x 2M.

Good point @mulveling I have had the old XLR connectors detach a connection on me especially if you twist them (which of course you never should do). Easy enough to open them up and tighten them down but never had a problem with the new termination

if anyone needs to validate braid colors over the years I believe all of the old AQ price books are available on line so you can check what they should look like each year (I at least have kept them all)

Doesn’t look like Guangzhou to me 🤨
https://www.stereophile.com/content/video-tour-audioquest

@mulveling sorry I just deleted as I didn’t want it to come across as whiny 🤩

@zipost I’ve done plenty of homework and am easily able to distinguish the knock offs from the real thing. But thanks for your concern, glad to know you have my back 😜

One thought -- given they've been in storage did you replace the batteries in the DBS packs? The thinness you describe sounds like the sound with the DBS disconnected or the 24-48 hours after you reconnect the DBS and the field has yet to fully establish. Even if the LEDs light the batteries if not fresh may not be performing. Could be worth a try if you have some new batteries lying around (which is unlikely as they're an obscure sort).