Pass a CPL today and more than likely you would NOT have passed a PPL 15 years ago.
On the other hand, I have seen a few PPLs about who did their exam 15 or more years ago and they ain't too damn flash either.
Triadic, you clearly have an axe to grind with GA training but why not vent your spleen on those who changed the goalposts not the ones kicking the points.