Jeffrey Schott, senior fellow at the Institute for International Economics in Washington, said that Moore has made his mark despite the Seattle fiasco.
"There is always much more that could have and should have been done, but getting the new negotiations up and running, bringing in China and Taiwan and many other countries into the organization so that it is increasingly becoming a truly universal trade organization were very significant achievements," he said.
"Equally important will be the hand-off and the smooth transition that seems to be occurring between Moore and Supachai. It required a great deal of statesmanship on the part of Mr. Moore and is relatively unprecedented in international organizations."
How things will change under Moore's successor is as yet unclear.
The two men could hardly be more different. Moore's straight-talking, no-nonsense view of life contrasts with the reserved, intellectual approach of Supachai.
Moore's insistence that all-embracing negotiations will bring the biggest benefits has angered some developing nations, who fear they are being steamrollered into making reforms in sensitive areas too quickly. Supachai, himself from a developing country, should suit them better. But some richer countries, especially the US, remain wary of Supachai.
Moore, who is completing a book about his experiences at the WTO, plans to remain in Geneva until Christmas. Though he will be available if called upon, he plans to keep out of the way of Supachai and let the Thai get on with the job.
"I wouldn't criticize at all. That wouldn't be honorable or proper," he said.
"His successes will be my successes, his failures will be mine. I think he will bring to the job some skills I haven't got. No director-general has been more prepared than he is."
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