It seems like the general consensus is that the LoK benders are weaker. But it seems to me that TLA benders just were another scale of bending. They would bend clouds and lakes, but it didn't seem all that more lethal. The only bending art that I'm disappointed in currently is Waterbending. Every other art improved in a way.
Earthbending got more dynamic metalbending, and became less rigid.
Firebending now can generally use electricity and is faster, and more concentrated.
Airbending is now widespread and is building with more masters.
Waterbending got smaller, and less powerful. Before Katara became senile, she was quite easily the family fifth strongest bender on the planet, behind Aang, Iroh, and Azula. It became short jabs of water that pushed people.
Katara was the last true waterbender.
Lastly, the red lotus is the only reasonable threat this series had, that held a candle to the previous team Avatar.
Earthbending got more dynamic metalbending, and became less rigid.
Firebending now can generally use electricity and is faster, and more concentrated.
Airbending is now widespread and is building with more masters.
Waterbending got smaller, and less powerful. Before Katara became senile, she was quite easily the family fifth strongest bender on the planet, behind Aang, Iroh, and Azula. It became short jabs of water that pushed people.
Katara was the last true waterbender.
Lastly, the red lotus is the only reasonable threat this series had, that held a candle to the previous team Avatar.