BDSM when small had a core set of identifiable members and communities. With the intersection of the Leather and Swinging communities and the sexual revolution came diversity. With diversity, terms have become ill defined and needs and practices are more varied. Many yearn for the "good old days."

Yet, the "good old days" were never as good as once believe. As you noted, the characteristics of Leather are mythologized and a notable few really were as portrayed in the myth. The problem is also with each of us. We or our partner change--for better or worse. So, a situation that once was great is not longer so great. We adjust but it is not the same. That great position now gives me a back ache every time! So, nostalgia is good IF only we don't go back to the way we were.

So, like our American society there are a lot of things wrong with the new BDSM. Yet, there are a lot of thing right with it. It is more inclusive, less intolerant and more diverse. For better or worse it is the BDSM we got. We just need to the best we can and keep our guard a little higher than we used to.