I think chess is different now than in Morphy's time.  But "better" I think is a subjective statement, and there are definitely more people in more countries playing today than before, and I think that is positive.

interesting

so memory is not a talent now? It's as good a talent as say visualizing or planning according to pawn structure etc. some say hard work is a talent as well..in conclusion you can use whatever resources you have at your disposal to win a game (or any competition for that matter) without cheating of course. I don't see Messi complaining abt his lack of height or C. Ronaldo complaining abt his lack of low center of gravity in comparison.

no, no, not at all

yes the openings are no fun at times but the old quote goes

Play the opening like a book, the middle game like a magician, and the endgame like a machine.