Bah, I say!

I find any difference that is presumed to be generation can usually be explained better by things other than "kids these days vs. old fogies."
Some of what you describe seems to be a difference in
play goals. Some of the folks you point to seem to be very "process-focused" - finding fun in the moment of saying what their character DOES. Others seem more "goal-focused" - getting through to the point that what their character does MATTERS A LOT.
With the MDA model, you could describe the former as maybe seeking abnegation or expression, with the latter seeking narrative and challenge.
That difference might be generational ("kids these days"). It might also be age-related, without fiting into a generational change narrative (old folks take it easier). It could simply be subtextual - folks you play with expect different things out of the game because of other games they've played.
Personally, regardless of the origins, I find that a diversity of play goals at my table help me to be a better DM and make adventures more fun. Paying attention to the different things people want out of the game makes my game more adaptive to its audience, and helps me work skills that I might not work on in isolation.