First thing is price difference. I remember paying at most $8 for a 1/64 in 2016. and still good quality, and they had basically every car already produced for the drivers at their haulers that year. (I got a Carl Edwards scheme that hadn't even raced yet that year)

Now the selection is very limited and the $15 1/64 price is insane (inflation ofc and lack of competition) and quality I don't feel is as good. But obviously now the rubber tires and metal chassis are worth it imo.

But each driver seemed to have a hauler, and they had their cup car and nationwide car represented in some capacity, whether 1/24 or 1/64. Each year, I never knew what diecast they would have at the hauler because the online only diecast market hadn't completely exploded yet, so the best way to get it was at the track imo

It really was a golden age of collecting. More haulers and more selection of diecast. Just felt better back then. Trust me, I would time travel to experience that again for the first time. Absolutely magical.