A LOT more tables and variety. And it wasn't just row after row of brand new guns either. Now, you can sweep a row in half a minute, yup, sea of Glocks to the left, sea of Rugers to the right, next! There was also "pre owned" guns, used ones, old ones, vintage ones, antique ones (if you know what I mean by that differentiation). Although I realize much of that WW2 vintage stuff as disappeared from the market.
You could actually chat with knowledgeable vendors, too! Now many might as well sell chicken nuggets or used cars instead.
Also, you could count on some famous/infamous person making an appearance every now and then. I've met Bo Gritz and Randy Weaver, Boston T. Party (Kenneth Royce), John Ross, and many others at gun shows. And I mean met, as in hung out with and chatted for a while, not just gawked at them from afar, lol.
You are right. Dallas show has gone downhill. I am a WWII Axis pistol collector. Back in the 70's and 80's I built a collection. Now it is black guns , jingle bobs, and doo dads. Last week I went and did some good with some fellow collectors I have dealt with for years and years. I found a nice WWII Navy Beretta 1935 and a nice WWII Femaru M37. Thats the best I have done at Market Hall in last couple of years. The Dallas Arms Collectors will be moving their show sometime in 2020 to Southfork Ranch in Parker, Texas. I hope this will generate some interest and revive this show. Dallas Arms Collectors has some great members and I know they want to keep this show.