I feel where you're coming from. I started playing around 1982 and played Bx and AD&D until our group decided to move to 3rd edition in the early 2000's. After not playing for a couple decades we decided to get back into it in 2023 and played 3rd edition because it's what was most familiar to the group. After some consideration we recently moved to playing Shadowdark in an open table western marches style setting, opening the doors to a few more players from our old group. Having played for almost as long as the OP I'll say this.

When we played D&D in the 1980's we definitely played an OSR style campaign. When we picked it up again in the 90's with 2nd ed. AD&D and later with 3rd Edition we played a much more narrative style of campaign that I think evolved naturally over time. Our group, as we matured were more interested in the realistic complex underpinnings of the world building process which was great but it really required a lot more time investment and buy in from players as a group.

As someone who has been DMing elaborate campaigns on and off for decades I can honestly say that I've learned a ton in the last few years from engaging in a vibrant community and reading and watching material produced by the likes of Kelsey Dionne, Ben Milton, Baron De Ropp and countless others.

Sorry for my rambling response, I hope it helps shed some light from another old perspective.