I have seen many events degrade over time. In every case, the first thing to go is food quality. Usually it is somewhat subtle, but always the marker.
Also, most events that went downhill sent out questionnaires asking how to improve.
This was a bucket list item for me too, and I said in my survey that I didn't give a damn about the food.
I don't think I ate any of the rest stop food except for some bread and olive oil. Spaghetti at the finish was fine and there was still free beer at 5:30. Then I got some nice deli food later.