Unfortunately that is becoming the norm-charge more for less in this disposable World.

Keeps the freight charges low. Also, your new machine is a bit smaller in size.

What do/did you have?

My former TL GE washer (mid-1980s ~100lbs) was light vs my current FL Bosch (late 2000s ~200lbs).

That's not necessarily a bad thing; using lighter weight materials can decrease costs without decreasing effectiveness. Heavier doesn't mean better or better built - sometimes it's because it is wasteful, not more efficient.