I must admit, it a little funky since it changed so drastically. It was easier back then to boost your reputation and reaching some level where you can "be proud" of yourself.

The calculations is really “strict” (if I can use that word) ... In a matter that it “forces” you to participate in the metal community. (I think that pretty much covers it, right?)

In all sense, it is not a bad transformation, nothing wrong with the new look and calculations but it is really harder now to reach a new level, it would mean you need to download and upload and seed as much as possible to reach the next step of the metal tracker ladder.
Not for me to judge. Some folks like it and others not, a matter of preferences and needs, I suppose.