I'm beginning to think I never will, replicate the depth of flavour, the 'taste' and the smell of my favourite curries from the old days.
I know what you mean. I sometimes feel the same way! But, in my case, is my memory playing tricks? I know a few BIRs which I'm convinced are just as good as they were in the 70s and 80s. At least one place has the same chef! So I think today's output (sample dishes) from those places is essential as a benchmark for anything I try to replicate, rather than some vague romantic notion in my mind that things were better in the good old days.
But my benchmark is just those minority of BIRs. I fear the standard at too many BIRs has now sunk to a very disappointing level.
Regards
George