Are lawnmowers built worse than 20 years ago?

I've been extremely happy with my Craftsman 42" rider.

It has a 17 HP Kholer single- largest single and pressurized oiling system.

I don't really do the best job maintaining it, but it starts every time, even after the "winter" season.

It's pretty much the best mower I've ever had.

It was a customer return and was $400 cheaper than the next lower model with a B&S engine.

I bought a somewhat pricey electric start, self propelled walk behind troy built for my mom, and it has been a complete piece of CRAP.

No traction, throttle cable is physically painfull to engage, belt comes off every other use, and is royal PITA to get back on, can't pull it backwards, etc, etc.

Never again.