Easier or more difficult can mean differently when it comes to "Achieving Status" vs "Understanding how to Achieve Status".

It is also quite subjective when flying and spending are both involved.

For example,

A high value flyer who does not fly 100K BIS or 100 segments each year but can spend easily over $24K a year ( assume meeting minimum of 4 segments), It is easier for this person to achieve status and also easier to understand how to earn status. However, under the old system, it would be both difficult for this person to achieve 1K or understand how to calculate and track BIS or number of segments.

A budget conscious flyer who would find the old system easier to understand: simple as OP described. The current system would require the person to monitor fares (backing out taxes and other charges), track segment vs $ spent. How much this person flies (BIS) may still not be enough if the spending does not meet the threshold. In this case, it may be both more difficult to understand and earn.

The above are two extreme examples, There are flyers fall in between. Easier to understand the current system but just don't have the time or $ to make it happen. Others may be challenged to understand the permutations, but fly the minimum and spend enough on tickets and credit cards to achieve status.