NO it's not better, just a more "recent shoe device/toy".
It has its qualities and down sides but it's much more important to get a shoe that fits you, not only from the shoe shape, but also the fastening design (IMO).
If you want to keep your shoes for a long time like your previous ones, a ratchet buckle lasts longer. I'm used to keep my shoes for an average 4 to 6 years, and never had to replace a ratchet strap except one that broke because of a nasty crash. I have to replace my S-Works 6 BOA's every year because the ratcheting system fails regularly.

Louis :-)