In the 90s "anti-slip" saddle surfaces may have been a thing. I've had saddles that had anti-slip surfaces as well as saddles that were more slippery. I personally like a more secure feeling on the saddle and don't really like moving around too much on the saddle, assuming that my fit is dialed in. I think some modern saddles have longer noses that specifically allows the rider to sit more forward for situational use cases (get more aero, for example).