If a lot of people say it is different this time, that's just one more reason to believe that it is not different this time. Some have a concern that the VIX is not showing the same level of optimism as the put/call. Actually, the VIX doesn't have as consistent a range as the the put/call ratio. But, whatever the top is on the VIX in each cycle, I've observed that the it often drops during the market bottoming process or the very early and unrecognized stage of the next market advance. I believe we are seeing that happen right now.
All in all, I don't see any reason to think it is different this time. In fact, there are a lot of things going on that make me thing this rally will be a good one.
Rick