Gotta agree with G in that i feel that the nu skool riders have more style than the old skool. sure there are exceptions but i think that on the whole the kids of today ride with so much confidence smoothness and style , not to mention the size of their balls. if you don't believe me just get down to any set of trails, indoor park , good track ,street spot. sit back and enjoy.
also ,when you talk to a lot of the young uns they are very aware of the style content , i think that it plays a big part in their riding. i think that some of the differences in opinion just stem from the differences in fashion regarding tricks / forms of riding , riding definately follows fashions , but that is a whole different discussion
nostalgia is a dangerous thing. you know when you are getting old when you start saying, " ( insert subject here) was much better when i was a kid" you old gits
it has evolved from a craze to a legitimate sport/lifestyle where style will really start to play a big part particularly if freestyle ever reaches the olympics.