What do you mean by "hit and miss"? That's a pretty broad and general statement that implies something beyond your personal experience. I have never been on an EK flight where I did not receive an amenity bag (this is in F) and it's always been proactive (almost always, already waiting for me at my seat; sometimes, brought to me after boarding). I'm not doubting that you didn't receive a bag on those 2 flights, but reacting to your statement.

Also, what actually happened on those two flights? Did they not proactively provide the bags and you didn't ask? Did they not provide them and you asked and they didn't have them?

In terms of the bags themselves, there have been some minor updates this year (for example, accent colors on the bags and perfume bottle design) but nothing major. Maybe, if it's not broken don't fix it...