The world has changed from the 60s where dictatorial coaches controlled their peasant players. Communication is not a one-way street in the modern world of life that includes businesses, education, sports etc. When you noted that Ruff met his players halfway, I considered it demonstrating flexibility and an ability to listen before responding. That's a sign of growth in how to handle players/people, not weakness of yielding to players. What you may consider to be a weakness in style of coaching is something that I see as showing positive traits of a willingness to listen and adjust to players of today. The era of the "old school" coaching for all sports is long gone, eras and people change. You either adapt or go by the wayside.