JTG and SXT 3.0 never make a track get to the levels of traction we saw in the paragon days. This keeps the cars smoother for an entire event.
My home track has 2 year old carpet that grooves up pretty fast. Cars feels smooth there too.
I think the cars getting better, setups developing to make the most of order less sauce and blinky/smoother speedos have made 1/12 a very nice to drive, more fun class.
17.5 is good for beginners at most tracks, 13.5 is fun for us veterans and stepping up to Mod is more achievable than ever.