Some of the arguments for removing the rule were solid, e.g. being away from home in the age of first class, comfortable travel has negated the home advantage that was in play when the rule was intoduced, but it has taken the jeopardy out of it alright.
Having said that, I think that's only one factor at play for the drab games. Financial disparity is another. There's a cohort of clubs that are vastly experienced at this level of the competition and seem to get the job done even when they're not at their strongest, e.g. Real Madrid last night, and now you have the likes of City & PSG who are used to being there in the semis and finals now. The whole competition is almost a procession right up to the quarters and semis.
