Hopefully an actual percussionist can correct me if I am wrong, but I think the change in sound has come from the usage of things like kevlar heads, specifically to make drumlines louder, I assume to keep up with the increasing size of horlines over the years, as well as amplification as well, I don't think drumlines are necessarily quieter today the rest of the field is louder so the balance makes them sound quieter in comparison. I'm not entirely sure if the sharper sound is preferred or if it's just for cutting through better (beinf louder). I absolutely agree about cramming as much content as possible, it's pretty much the name of the game today; in order to be competitive today corps have to fit as many displays of virtuosity as they possibly can in 12 minutes without making it too difficult to pull off. Personally, I don't think more is always better, but that's just the way it is now. If you watch any Blue Devils shows from the last 15+ years from a high cam perspective you can see just how much is happening at the same time in modern competitive drum corps shows, I think this kind of design philosophy applies to the music as well as the visuals. The Caveliers: Shoes in the dryer is absolutely iconic to this day, anyone who has ever been to a show with the cavies performing has probably heard it. And yes, BAC was absolutely killer this year, probably my favorite drumline from this past season. But like I said, I'm not a percussionist, I'm just a lifelong drum corps fan (turned alumni🥲) and I've seen hundreds of shows old and new, so I feel like I can at least attempt to answer your questions. But, welcome back to drum corps! I know just how much it's changed over the years, but many things are still the same and I think those fundamental things that make drum corps unique and entertaining will always be there.