It used to be that if the umpires weren't noticed then they were doing a good job. This was almost a badge of honour for a good umpire.
The old school umpires (apart from douches like John Russo) understood that the players were the main attraction. Don't get in the way, let it flow as much as possible, don't impose their personality.
The attitude has swung 180 degrees. Everyone knows their names, numbers on their backs, miked up so we can hear them. Was it done to raise the profile of umpiring so they attract more people to the role? Is it a respect thing - they're not faceless, they've got names so wind down the abuse?