XC ltd. is more or less situated between Shim´s Mountain LX (later Deore LX) and the Deore, Deore DX group. I would have to study catalogues to see how the Rival 7000 fits in this scheme.
It's a bit less of a straight comparison; XCD/Ltd were a bit below DX, which was a bit below XC Comp, which was below XT, which was at or around (maybe a bit below) XC Pro which was below XTR.... well that's what I reckon any way!!
Afaik New Success was never a full gruppo (for mtb) the mechs worked and are lovely - quality wise up there with xc pro and maybe a little better than XT. Disclaimer this is based on my pair from the mid-early 90's. the older sets look good too but obviously 'retro'.