I think one thing that hasn't been mentioned is that the show of today is also aimed at a _younger_ audience then it use to be.. more "older" children are in pre school and not home as much to watch the shows.. those that are tend to be younger, maybe 3 at most.. after that, parents think their children "have" to be in preschool or they won't so well later.. (this is a trend i've noticed, anyway...)
use to be that older children would be home and watching the program as well, they're not there as much today, so the show doesn't cater as much to them as they use to.
At least, that is my take on the situation.. and no, i'm not a big fan of the current show lay out, i don't have small children at home right now, and I don't watch the show on may sort of regular basis.. (i use to.. even 2 years ago i'd watch it at least once a week.. now maybe once or twice a month..)