The problem with random mechanics is they have to be deadly enough to threaten the group, without being complete random one hit kills. If they err on the safe side or as group gears up, the solution becomes stack and heal through. Err the other way and you'll see the forums explode with hate threads. It's fine line to walk for any developer.

As for the then and now comparisons for player skill. You're wrong, simple as that. Players now are so much more skilled then they used to be. 10 years ago forums and databases didn't exist the way they do now. Sites like Wowhead, Gamerescape, and these very forums were non-existent. The sphere of plat that exists for MMO has changed radically and a lot of players in this very thread refuse to see or accept that.