Lloyd, I've noticed that you always defend new technology, which is fine. Not everything old was great.
Yes, keeping the wheels in contact with the ground is preferable. Yes, the Dana 44 is far stronger than the old Dana 30 & 35. Locking differentials are key and you can break a Dana 30/35 with a locker in second. Yes the 4 cylinders were weak, they were a poor option.
But, the 4.0L inline six was a great motor as was the older 258 ci Six (4.2L). A diesel would be cool. 5 gears is plenty in a manual and 3 gears with a sub-low worked for years. Tall skinny tires will get you through a lot (sometimes more) than giant tires. With the correct final drive ratio 31"-32" tires will get you through most off-road situations and be decent on the road. You will not break a Dana 35 with a limited slip carrier if you drive like you have a little sense. (you can break one with a locking carrier in a hurry - it was a weak point).
Knowing how to pick your line is often more important than what size tire you have and seems to be a rapidly disappearing skill.
However, I don't NEED 300 hp in a Jeep (nor would I want it). I don't want 9 or 10 gears. If I want to ride in a quiet vehicle, I'll buy a nice car.
So - YES a new JK is a far more capable vehicle but it comes at a price. That "ancient technology" is now affordable technology and it wasn't horrible