I agree with you and likewise am somewhat confused. My initial read suggests that author bemoans that he needs to scale down how open ( here meaning transparent ) he gets to be. I think it is just a realization that business is cut-throat and information is, indeed, power. Being open can put you at a disadvantage in such an environment.

I certainly don't think it was some sort of golden age. Best I can say about it is that it had benefits.