LOL. Try asking the Toronto Maple Leafs (or any of the other original six teams) if it's easier to win now.
I think it's fair to compare variables across eras. 2011 Galaxy and 2016 TFC are compared, for example. It's true there are more strong (i.e. upper echelon, perennial contending) teams now, but there was more parity back then. There are more teams, but the number of realistic Cup-contenders is probably not hugely different.
I preferred this years version but then again, I'm the guy who dislikes aggregate scoring because I feel it changes the dynamic of the individual matches. While it has made for some spectacular comebacks in Europe recently, I still feel like neither leg stands on its own. I'd rather see teams play like the game at hand is the be-all end-all. Also makes the seeding more relevant. What I didn't like this year, was the compression of the regular season, which led to far more weeknight games. However, I understand that MLS has taken note of this and as a result, the season starts in February next year.
Two-legged playoffs gave us this: ... am I getting banned from the board for bringing this up? I honestly don't know if a series like this one is an argument for or against a home-and-away series
My two cents: Consistency is good - e.g. all MLB stats became meaningless after 1996 when interleague play corrupted the validity of regular season stats (and rampant steroids too). A two leg series has issues (no "winner" after game 1, not enough advantage for home team - if that's a thing you want in a system, extra game in the schedule, too much "strategy"); however - they are unique to soccer. They absolutely should have a place in the MLS playoffs.
At the time I thought it was the best soccer game I ever watched - I talked about it with my non-soccer appreciating co-workers for days after.* *I'm open to a plea deal on my perma-ban. Six months and I have to argue with GalaxyOne?
Cruel and unusual punishment. Once when researching LD's history, I went to their forum to see what they were saying about him during his Smurf era. I'll admit I cackled maniacally when I stumbled on the "farewell thread". "Good luck in Germany", they said. "You'll always be a 'Quake", they said. MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!