Ralif Redhammer
Legend
Also a gamer that started in the 80s here, though I don't call myself a grognard. One thing I will say about my observations of D&D from the late 70s (and to an extent, into the early 80s), is that it was much less codified. While there will always be a gonzo element to D&D, I think back then there were fewer defined ideas as to what fantasy was, and what gaming was. You would see adventures where androids would show up from another planet, or a laser gun could be found in the lich's tomb. There would be a tavern in the middle of a dungeon, or a surface tavern might have a minotaur for a bartender. You could just as easily run across some treacherous hobb...err, halflings as a band of goblins.
Would I say it's better? No, just different.
Would I say it's better? No, just different.