The [target=player], [target=party1], etc all do work. I've used them several times in that past. Unless they've removed those target variable names, doubtfull, then they should still work.

As for Ughmahedhurtz's quiz.. both are odd. In the /assist version as it's entering the macro and the focus's target is reset, then it will reset the sequence (which is likely expected behavior.) However, if you wanted to say.. use the toon's local target for casting CC spells (Hex, Polymorph, etc) then the [target=..] is a bit more usefull for all other spells.. keeping your CC target in the toon's local target.

It all depends on what you wanna do.