Well, there is certainly good E/MDMA out there. Not likely pure, nothing is ever really pure anything, but there is definitely E out there that isn't cut to shit with harmful things. It's good to know your source or get it from a trusted source (not that that ensures safety either, they still usually get it from another source). While powder can definitely be cut to shit too, it's proly a better bet than pressed pills, it's usually cleaner. I don't recommend taking random pills from strangers but either way, the safest route is to start off with a small line or half a pill, wait, see how it effects you and then decide whether or not to take more. That's what I do now. I used to be really naive with MDMA, and just trust what I was getting was what I was told, took pills from random strangers, etc but after the PMMA issue in Canada this past year and after a few times of taking pills that I thought were E but were really 2CB, foxxy, (which are good substances, just not always when you aren't expecting them lol) etc I'm a lot more careful now. I know its fun to drop a full dose at once but PMMA is scary shit... so especially if you live in Canada, I really, really recommend 'test driving'. Most of the risks associated with using E and MDMA can be combated just with common sense. Another option would be to 'test drive' it before a rave, and if its good, drop a full dose at the rave. That's my plan for Shambhala... I'm going to test drive some MDMA in town, and if I like it, I'm going to drop a normal dose at Sham.
So, I wouldn't say E is no good anymore. It's just important to use common sense when you use it. If you live in Canada especially, inform yourself about PMMA and the risks, signs, etc.