Although I reckon the 500's were always "MUCH" more entertaining it may also partially have to do with the current circuits also. It would be very interesting to see how the new crop would go at Hockenhiem etc.
I honestly think the riders during the mid 80's through mid/late 90's were a tougher breed and it showed with how they rode those screamers at the limit, lots of high sides and race drama back then also.... we have been getting much closer to F1 predictability in recent years with the relatively easier to ride 4 strokes. Thank god the last couple of seasons at least have seen a turn around and added a little interest back into the sport (tyre parity) and made it actually worth watching again.