Having been eligible to march from 2004-2013, and having marched 2009-2011(-ish), I definitely do not think the golden years were when I marched. Personally I think the late 80s-2004 were Drum Corps "golden age" as far as matching drill to music. Then again, I've always been a sentimental fellow.
As a new-timer, I still cringe a bit when I hear thunderous goo and mic'd solos, though having withdrawn from the activity this year, I found them quite tolerable and sometimes even enjoyable.