Poppy,
You said it all for me.👍🏼
While reading your post, I thought of the same reasons you ended your post with, as the reasons why PR is no longer in top 3.
It has lost it's original charm, it's simplicity, and it's realistic storyline and characters.
I remember Sushant once commented a long time ago, that many fans identified with PR because of it's simplicity and it's reality.
He said that many fans could see themselves in one or more of the characters and thier situations.
The sets and costumes, the make-up were all realistic.
I doubt anyone can see themselves in any of the current characters now.
It's a pity indeed that a show that started out with so much promise, has become like it is now...unbelievable and unrealistic.