It's a lot more restrictive. Before rule change the controller advised the pilot (in class D) if cloud ceiling was below 1500 feet and pilot could choose to fly VFR or ask for IFR/SVFR. Often pilots choose VFR- therefore no need to separate from IFR traffic
Under new rules the controller must deny VFR to pilots arriving/departing at aerodrome in class D so only option becomes SVFR or IFR. Because of this all aircraft must be separated. So unless you can provide reduced separation in the vicinity of an aerodrome you are restricted dramatically. For example- circuits VFR could have been done with IFR arrival down the ILS before rule change- not any more.
However , if you transit the same airspace and do not enter the ATZ the pilot can still determine flight conditions and transit VFR - probably out of sight of the controller.
So a delightful situation now arises where ATC cannot allow a VFR circuit where they could see the aircraft but can allow VFR transit where they cannot.
It's over restrictive and adopting rules for political not practical reasons.