One of the differences I think “Today's CF” implies is that in the past few years, as opposed to many many years ago, there is simply more communication. I'm not sure I fully understand it, as we had IRC, websites with forums, etc back then too, but it seems like the information is just too easy to spread, and once it's out there, it's out there. These days, people have half a dozen IM clients. We have the forums (which people seem to check habitually), the Wiki, Google, etc. Once “spoilers” ignite, there's no putting out the fire. Maybe that wasn't any different 10-12 years ago, I didn't play then.

The other think that might make the current player base a little different is simply time. A lot of players quit and begin sharing info more liberally, become jaded and/or disgruntled and pass around their CF folders, etc. As with all secret(s), they become harder to keep with time as more and more people find out, legitimately or otherwise.

Lastly, perhaps the goals, objectives, and attitudes of the player base have changed such that areas like Silent Tower and things like the Shadow Cabal simply aren't appropriate, even if we do like them a lot. We aren't collectively up to the task of doing what's required to preserve them.