Starman,
One thing I will tell you is that officials are more well-trained than ever. Many officials pay their own way to summer officating camp (some go to several camps in one summer), many of them study and officiate year-round and many of them are constantly talking with others and going over scenarios (just like this discussion board) to get better.
The one thing that has never changed is that the officials are generally the only ones in the gym that are unbaised. They are the only ones who don't care who wins. They are the only ones who judge their performance by not determining the outcome of the game. They are the only ones who only care about creating fair and balanced playing conditions.
I could go out on the floor with my partner(s) and officiate a perfect game. We could watch the tape afterwards with unbiased observers who would say that we did not miss a call and that we created a perfectly fair playing field. Still, there would be fans who left the gym that night thinking that we "cheated their team," thinking that play was too rough or thinking that we didn't "let them play" (yes, we could have fans thinking complete opposites after watching the SAME game), and others who even think that we are "encouraging" rough play.
You will think what you want regardless of how any of us respond. It's pointless. I have officiated a state championship game in my state, but obviously I am not capable of answering your questions.
Z