how exactly did it get gayer?

well alright it didn't "get gayer" but the open aint at all what it used to be: fireworks and kites flying into the pipe during a run, flannel worn for real, big air poachers backfliping over Copely, Terje vs. Todd, and an open afterparty that consisted of repeatedly smashing your empties into a fireplace...

just venting here...

That's life. You get older and it's up to the new crowd to make the scene. It probably won't be the same as yours, but hopefully it's still fun for them. Looks like the people in the photos are having a good time.
I remember quite a few opens, from about 89 to 03, but it's not my scene any more and that's fine. I'm sure the dudes who were there in the early 80's were complaining about the scene by the late 80's when Suzuki was the sponsor.
I doubt we'll ever see anything like Jonas poaching the big air as the pink panther, or the East Infection cage built overnight on the side of the pipe again, but hopefully the contest stays fun for those involved and is something worth going to for all the up and coming shreds.

yeah you are right about scene evolution, and dudes have the right to have fun

but I simply can't stand all the posin' and steezin' anymore...its gotten out of hand