I think the 80s genre is more nostalgic for people who weren't there. The young generation sees how things used to be and become facsinated with it. I am the same way about the 70s and other eras I wish I could have seen. I get so caught up sometimes just wondering, "what would it have been like to grow up back then?" The next generation will be the same way about the 90s and 00s, but since we were actually around, it will be no big deal to us.
Despite my post I still believe times were better back then.
The 80's music was pretty darn mediocre, but compared to what is out there today it was ok.
Believe me, the times we are in right now are just as interesting as the ones we were in back then... probably even more interesting.
The biggest problem I see is that each demographic cohort seems to feel it has to outdo the one before in terms of outrageousness. I don't see how that competition can continue indefinitely.