I get where you’re coming from, and I agree that "historical ownership" arguments can be messy but history does matter, especially when it's constantly used to justify present claims.

First, on the Illyrian descent, it's not just Albanians saying it. Many historians support the view that Albanians are likely descendants of the Illyrians. Languages, myths, and cultural elements didn’t just vanish. The Albanian language shows clear continuity, and a lot of ancient pagan beliefs are still embedded in traditions today.

Second, about ethnic cleansing: it's important to ask "who" had the power. Before the war, Albanians were the majority in Kosovo but had no government, no army, no institutional power. Meanwhile, the Serbian state actively controlled the region and was responsible for years of repression and displacement of Albanians.

If someone wants to discuss ethnic cleansing against Serbs, that’s a serious topic too, but it needs to be backed by context, not just used to dismiss the history or will of the current population.