I think in a way this site is a lot less contentious but as a result, a bit less entertaining than it used to be. I still enjoy coming to the site daily, but apart from the political section, it is more an old man's pastime than an active sport. Sure courteousness and politeness are appreciated, but every now and again a claw bearing cat fight can be entertaining.
While I am sure that there are those who enjoy the large number of photos posted, I have mentioned in the past that for me, it is too much of a good thing. I think many come, look at the photos and go. It seems the new postings are generally posted by the same few people and the diversity of responders is less. These seem to be major changes.
Still, I do enjoy my daily visit. Sometimes several visits in a day, if a particular thread is getting a influx of thoughtful posts, rather than the +1 or me too that sometimes dominate.
As to posters who have left the scene, I miss Rick Munroe's dry humor.