It has definitely not gone backwards (except in the pricing area) because there is more content and activities to do. However, it hasn't gone as far as one would have expected/hoped.
This game moves forward but at a very slow pace. I can't say I'm enjoying it more or less now. It's a very different game then it used to be so that would be like comparing apples to oranges. I can see the direction the DEVs are going and I think it has some potential, I just hope they have enough players to keep the game going until they get there.