Great to have an expert here! Fascinating info.
No I never meant to use the term "Golden Age" officially, rather it was meant to describe not only the immense out pour of 2D shows and full length features by studios at the time (late 80's, 1990's), but also the culturally significant items that were born out of it. Animation can be compared to comic books, in that how they have actual historical eras as you have said. For example the Silver Age of Comic Books was officially from 1956 to circa 1970. Personally however, I think of it as the Golden Age, as so many characters that are apart of our lexicon (i.e. Spiderman) were created during that time. It's human I suppose that one considers an age "golden" if so many things/events during a period of time greatly affected their culture or personally.
As for Clone Wars yes I am fully aware of Genndy's lack of involvement. As others have pointed out as well medium of animation is one half, and writing/story is the vital other.