Free Step Dodge

Don't think i could say that about alot of fighting games released 10-15 years ago, with the exception of SF4(even then), but this is where a lot of modern fighters shine

Understandable, this is one of the reasons why I think that every fighting game gets a new mechanic of some sorts like RE, Break Blow, Rage Art, Rage Drive etc. plus making them easier to play. We're in times where developers can do a lot more with their fighting games. These mechanics, outside of decreasing the gap between skilled and not so skilled players also add something cool to the character and to the game.

We might be annoyed at how these mechanics work in certain cases but if its pretty flashy then that might just impress the casual player, that they can do something sick so easily. While I do agree that these mechanics are not exactly what would eventually make a casual sink in a lot of hours in a fighting game.