Multi-part question (2 stroke related)

I'm sure this will bring some negativity, but also some good discussion. After watching several recent videos of today's racers wringing out 125 and 250 2 strokes along with my memories of watching races as a kid in the late 80's and early 90's, it really appears like the guys today are just plain out moving faster. Is this a combination of riding style changes and tracks? I see lots of today's top guys scrubbing, throwing speed whips, etc (think Barcia). Not something that was as commonplace back in the day. Granted, it is faster to hold it wide open and get back on the ground quickly (eliminate unnecessary airtime), but is there a factor that just makes this look faster? It always seemed like super smooth riders looked "slow" when alone. I think of watching Davey Yezek as an amateur, how smooth he was. He always looked "slow" by himself but he was rocket fast compared to everyone else!

Secondly, have the tracks changed to become less tight with the evolution of 4 strokes? As I watch the races today, the tracks seem to have become more 450 friendly. This seems to mean more sweeping turns, bigger, smoother landings (less steep/more forgiving) and jumps. If this is true, then it would lead me to think that in fact, these guys on 2 strokes are just able to pin it and go.

Any thoughts? Is it simply my memories are off? Or have some things changed that do in fact lead to faster speeds overall?

Thanks