My opinion concerning the Russian Golden Age debate:
XIXth century:
Russia was a big European power in the political and military sence. Caucasus, Middle Asia, Poland and Finland became Russian territories.
Russia had a high culltural and technological boost in this century.
But Russia remained not industrialized and economically backward. The simple people (peasants: >90%) were till 1860 serfs and later very (!) poor and from this perspective it wasn't a golden age.
Second half of the XXth century (especially 60-70-ies):
Military and political power, industry and economics were top and stabil, 90% of the people were happy or at least content (Yes, and I know what I'm speaking of). Culture, education and technology were on the very high level.
But the political system had also it's weak sides. The concentration of the power to a small group of (IMHO unable and not clever) people led to the well known decline of economy. The people became more unsatisfied with their life. ....
But so called "democratic reforms" of Gorbachev and Yeltsin led to a disaster.
I am not sure what criterium to choose to define the Golden Age. If happiness -> 1970-ies. But I agree with the XIXth century, too.
I hope the Golden Age of Russia is the near future