Freeing the others from Capone was badass, so was freeing the Vinsmokes and engaging Page One. He saved Momo from two guys with billion bounties, badass. Trying to step into the deal with Kuma was cool, but not badass. Same could be said for his relatively minor role in Skypiea or his decision to give up against Khalifa when Robin was at stake. What's irrelevant is the timeskip and using two different situations to determine the difference between cool and badass to argue for a timeskip difference.
but it honestly isn't AS badass as what was stated... and walking up to pay pay.. was cool not bad aass.. the perspective of bad ass here is being defiant, independent, wise in perilous situations..
Saving momo was dope but not as dope as saving ussop from Jabura and insulting that wolf by calling yourself a hunter.. Saving the Vinsmoke was anything but badass.. it was a cool stance that he stood and looked down on his dad
Mr Prince is being badass, showed his mindset and the execution of his entrance to save his crew was badass....
What Goat said was actually very relevant...on the sea train he took charge of the team while admitting his desire to save Robin to luffy and luffy admitted that he cannot stop sanji.. while in post timeskip the Twerly Brow crew moment.. he actually asks luffy to grant him permission.. so it was a similar situation where he was in contact with luffy.. one where he was told to do as he pleases.. another sanji asking luffy for permission
Besides I'm no way claiming that there aren't any bad ass moments post TS... its just that they are not that much and not that intense