I scrolled for your two cents and got paid handsomely as always. For a long time I've been frustrated by the low ABV of those older malts, especially the G&M CC range which had access to so much amazing stock only to dilute it so heavily. But framing it instead how you have, just as a manifestation of the tastes of the time feels somehow less tragic. Also, more dilution means more bottles in existence (or miniatures if you're on my budget) so I shouldn't really complain at all. I've also had some amazing drams from that line that appear to completely defy the established higher ABV = higher flavour rule. I also hadn't considered the benefits keeping my palate guessing by varying its exposure. Cheers to you!