The present regime has the arrogance to believe that their programme is so wonderful that it is all the brothers want to experience. It misses the point entirely that the weekend was one of association, friendship and a sense of being a part of something.
Whilst I agree with your point on the emphasis of the event having changed and that the social/community side of things has been pared back to a minimum through "simplification" over the years I would suggest that for those young ones currently in the organisation assemblies still represent fairly serious events in the social calendar as opportunities to scope around for likely romantic opportunities.
They are also still important to the R&F as markers of critical events to attend. They have not diminished in their import as clues as to the "spirituality" of individuals as to if you attend, are participating, volunteering, take notes or spew out nonsense about the event on your social media feeds.