The 14/16" are significantly thicker and heavier than previous generations, both in actual measurements and in appearance (as they don't taper at the edge like they have since the 2012) I truly cannot imagine looking at that and thinking any part of the design was imagined with the words "thinness and lightness" in the mind.
That ended in the previous generation.
The 12" MacBook and previous-gen (final-gen Intel) MacBook pros were the most beautiful and the most thin/light MacBooks
With the new MB Pros, Apple went with much more compromise towards functionality and quality. I think they are almost flawless – just much more ugly than previous gen!
I am not sure about the Airs – and maybe that's your primary comparison.
I think there was a change in Apple's trackpads around 2015-2017. I'm going off memory, but prior to that, the haptic feedback was more like a motor, and after it was something more like a speaker. I noticed it because I had a 2012 Macbook and bought a Magic Trackpad, and the click had a noticeable difference.
Firstly, I was not particularly impressed with the MacBook Pro cases and haptics. The build quality seems to have deteriorated compared to previous iterations. Granted, this could be a matter of personal preference, but it seems to me that Apple's relentless pursuit of thinness and lightness has come at the expense of the premium, robust feel of their older MacBook models.
As for the haptic feedback, it felt a bit off. Earlier MacBooks had a satisfying clickiness and responsiveness, but that didn't seem to be the case with the current model I tested. I suppose this could be subjective, and perhaps some may prefer the current haptic approach.
On a positive note, the brightness of the screen was impressive - it certainly stood out. Apple has always been at the forefront of display technology and it's evident they are maintaining their standards in that regard.
Comparing with other laptops in the store, I couldn't help but appreciate the Framework's design and user-focused approach even more. Other laptops felt plasticky and cheap in comparison, with subpar build quality and aesthetic.
Despite the MacBook's stellar screen, it's hard to beat the Framework when it comes to customization, repairability, and the ethos of the company. It's a refreshing change in an industry that seems to be moving towards sealed units that discourage user modification and repairs.
The old MacBooks were in a different league altogether, and it's disheartening to see how things have evolved. I would love to see a return to a focus on robust build quality and user experience beyond just raw specifications and form factor.