Depends what you mean by easier in the 70s of course. Less demand then, for one. I got into the 1982 GF as a kid in standing room for $15, of course that's not possible these days.
Now I find it pretty easy. This year has been terrible but there are reasons for that.
The term "gross incompetence" is thrown around too loosely these days. You don't understand the strategy and it inconveniences you, so you label it "incompetent". When it comes to making money there is always method to the madness.
That doesn't make it good, but neither is it "incompetent".