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From https://www.energy.gov/articles/history-air-conditioning :

> By the late 1960s, most new homes had central air conditioning

So the addition of central HVAC likely isn't a big factor, because most new homes in the US already had it 50 years ago.

Eh, not 100% sure if it's a good comparison or not. Mid century homes with central hvac were typically poorly designed from my experience leading to over/under heated rooms. Modern systems typically have a much better designed return air system (hence more piping) rather than a single return at the unit.

I'm not sure I would say much of anything is more ornate today compared to prior. Especially if you actually look at the details of the craftsmanship, anything of "standard" quality of times past are high-end details now.

Would be interesting to compare the regulations for building construction now and then.