Interesting post. I tend to think it was better in the 80s and 90s. Not over polarized with 36 pregame shows, better announcers and the game was obviously much more physical. I miss the days of baseball diamond September games, hitting the quarterbacks and Monday being the big game.
With that said your points about how it is better now are all valid. I always thought it was better then, but you do have me thinking now. Good topic!