I'm one of those alums from the '90s. I started in August 1995, and something happened in 1997 when I was a Second Classman (Junior) that clearly changed VMI. I don't want this discussion to go down that road, though, as the answers posted by the older and more recent alums are generally right regarding the OP's question. The usual griping is that some miniscule change means that the Ratline has gone to hell in a hand basket. Whether it be that the Rats wear a different color belt, or they get to eat dessert or drink juice/soda at dinner, whatever. VMI changes like most things do, and that generally is good in the long run (although, I'm sure I'd get a lot of debate on that statement from some of my BRs). Indeed, The Institute is a lot slower to change than most places, and I guess that makes people even more resistant to it when it happens. For a potential applicant, though, the changes will most likely be relatively minor. My class had a major change to adapt to, which was not easy to do; but, is not something that any future class will have to deal with.
Essentially, to answer the OP's question-don't worry, the Ratline will suck plenty for you, and the Thirds telling you how easy you have it is just part of the deal.