I wonder if that change has to do with removing it from more of an RPG type game to a strategy game. I noticed, at least in the last 5 years or so, the archetypes have gotten kore defined and structured than I remember it being in the mid 90's. Of course, back then, it was more of a money dump for figures because most people just collected the figures but never played the game. The game I always considered to be similar to the war games my dad used to play that were board games. I think that style of game play has become fairly extinct.

There is also the "whale" online play that probably has had some influence as well. It's not about the fun of the game, but to have everything to win and that becomes the only objective.

I'm sorry it has lost enjoyment for you due to other people. People ruin everything.