Frankly, I'm amazed that the place hasn't changed more after 35 years... While the dirtbags definitely need to conform to VMI standards and stop trying to be "cool guys", the regimental dorks need to know that parading around with their sabers and boning other Cadets is going to have repercussions. You can't change human nature, even at VMI. The ebbs and flows that you experience while you are at VMI are VMI and actually, a very important part of the VMI experience/education.
But to answer the question directly, I thought Peay made VMI more military. When I was there, we emphasized the citizen soldier more (pre-9/11). If you look at the 60's/70's Bombs, some of those guys had some pretty long hair... Honor Court scandals are infrequent but happen and will continue to happen. On the bright side, after the scandal, the honor system is strengthened, not abandoned like other schools. Lastly, I think everyone that goes to VMI has some disillusionment at the end of their cadetship. That's what makes VMI profound. The VMI experience always stays with you - the good and the bad. And ultimately, that's why you went there, didn't you?
Enjoy the Spring in Lex Vegas and best wishes on a great 1st Class year. Leave the *****ing to the Old Corps! You'll be wearing yellow pants in no time, talking about how great VMI is and how tough it was when you were there...