I feel like I'm involved in two different conversations. The OP's question about what's improved in the last 20 years and now a completely different conversation regarding the most important function of a riflescope.
If the most important things don't get better,then there's no "progress".
I find myself in the usual conversation,in that it's never been difficult to cypher who shoots,more than a smidge.
Though I do enjoy the comical banter of folks fretting scope finish,how they "look" on a given platform and all the other deep "thinking" them who shoot the least...fret the most.
It's akin to a Stupidity Tournament and hearts is in it,to "win" it...................(grin)