Some of the biggest changes that I see since 1964 when I first got into the game- not much 14.1 played anymore, anywhere. There are many more very good players out of a group of every 100 players that play pool at least once a week - I think the internet has a lot to do with that.
IMO modern equipment such as cues, balls, cloth may make the game a bit easier in some respects; but tighter pockets and faster rebounds on some modern tables demand a more pure stroke and greater knowledge of multiple rail position play with speed control. When tables were slower, but pockets were much larger 4 7/8 to 5 1/8 - in rotation games, you could leave the CB 7 feet from the OB on a slow table and have no problem making the shots if you had a good eye and stroked straight. The playing conditions years ago did not demand the precision required today.
IMO modern equipment such as cues, balls, cloth may make the game a bit easier in some respects; but tighter pockets and faster rebounds on some modern tables demand a more pure stroke and greater knowledge of multiple rail position play with speed control. When tables were slower, but pockets were much larger 4 7/8 to 5 1/8 - in rotation games, you could leave the CB 7 feet from the OB on a slow table and have no problem making the shots if you had a good eye and stroked straight. The playing conditions years ago did not demand the precision required today.