I honestly think the change in steering feel comes more from the wheel itself than the rack and assist system. I noticed the same slight drop in steering feel when test driving a 2017 BRZ, compared to my 2013. The facelift steering wheel is a bit fatter and has more padding so it transmits less vibrations. The steering wheel in the new car is carried over from the facelift, so it makes sense the steering feel will be slightly less than an early 1st gen.
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