The best current way to experiment with mechanics

I'm a father of two, and what really grinded my gears was how much the current technics sucks in my opinion compared to when I was a kid.

I had the lego technic 8090 Universal Set as a kid. About only technics I ever had. But it gave me years of building fun. After building the models, it was so simple to make a car. then understanding the purpose of the differensial. Then understanding how to make independent suspension. then adding motors etc. My cousins had a lot more stuff, like the 8040 phnumatic sets. All so simple, yet offers so much complex options.

But when I wanted to buy such for my kids. Not only is the super cool 12v stuff gone, the cool robotis is dumbed down or left to educational sets and then this? Where is the simple ways for the kids to learn about mechanics? Where are the universal sets?

http://technicopedia.com/universal.html

It goes all the way up to the 90s. then what happened? Same with pnumenic sets, there are moden sets with it, just not universial ones.

https://brickset.com/sets/theme-Technic/filter-Released?query=pneumatic

For instance, my kid has this amazing tracked vehicle, Lego Technic 42065. However, not only is it a chore to deconstruct, but it so intricate that it doesn't really push him towards exploring all the fantastic stuff it incorporate. So it have been as he built it ever since. and since he has better RC stuff. it's been on a shelf.

As products, technics have gone from awesome to amazing. But as creative tools - for kids - it's gone downhill. I can attribute my love for electronics back to the launch of the original lego mindcraft. Which I couldn't afford. My kids don't have that. They got minecraft. Which is as simple as lego used to be. so they are not void of everything.

So, have I overlooked something and just rants for nothing? :) Prove me wrong!