The fact that an experience is stereotypical doesn't meant it is also inaccurate.

Students today do not have it easier. They are working less hard at school because they need to work harder in other areas. Grades don't matter. Everyone gets strait-As so as long as you meat that standard there is little point in trying harder. Even Going to a good school matters less and less. The things kids have to do today are very different than I faced. For me, grades were enough. For today's kids grades are only the starting point. For instance, social media presence is now very important. I never had to deal with that when I was applying to universities.