ZWExton - The comparison was to these same games in 2014 in Sochi. I don't think there were as many intriguing back stories that led to 'I want to watch that!'. I have watched a little of the Games off and on because my wife likes the ice dancing. But she is watching a lot less of the events than in the past.
I saw another article today that compared this year's results to where our medal count was 4 years ago after the same number of events. In 2014, we were tied for 2nd with 14 total medals so there is a fall off in our international competitive standing.
On a positive, I found the American female Chloe Kim, that won the Gold in the snowboard halfpipe, inspirational on how her parents immigrated from So Korea (legally) and she met many of her extended family for the first time on this visit. She just exudes confidence and a warm personality.