It must be pretty difficult to compare the difficulty of exams.
During 'their' day, they probably learnt different things. But, as the years go by, exam boards and school will become more experienced as to what pupils require for jobs - what skills they need, what knowledge they need etc.
So, the specification will change.
One things for certain, people in Year 8 (right now, that is) will have very difficult exams! A lot more is based on communication, and, they have a restricted amount of chances. So, no retakes. I don't think anyone can say exams have gotten easier unless they've experienced the older exams, and the current exams themselves!