i mean no question that the elite marathoners of that time would run faster but i dont think that Lopes was capable of 2:05, Jones may be-his 2:07 was a demonstration of insane running, atleast a minute quicker with proper pacing + human shields.
Just in case anybody is interested, Carlos Lopes used to have a question and answer section for Runner' World magazine, and somebody asked him how he trains. He answered as follows:
10k:
S. 20k, moderate pace
M. hill repeats
T. 8 x 800 meters
W. 15k easy
Th. 400 meter repeats
F. 12k easy
S. Hard fartlek
Marathon:
S. 30k moderate pace
M. hill repeats
T. 5 x 1600 meters
W. 15k easy
Th. 600 to 800 meter repeats
F. 12k easy
S. hard fartlek run
Also, 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) 8-10k morning run.
I would not doubt Lopes, why would you? I think he had the long event figured out.