I am an Eagle Scout who was recognized with the Vigil Honor a year before I came to A&M. I have been to National OA Conferences, World and National Jamborees, Philmont Rayado, etc. etc... My father is very active in the Scouts (former Scoutmaster, Eagle Scout, Vigil, District Comissioner, etc.) and keeps me informed on various practice and proceedure changes.
The "tapping" practice was deemed "inappropriate" years ago, but many lodges turned a blind eye to chapters who still did it. It left a longstanding impression on all that were involved, including those who did it. I saw many different "tap out" ceremonies ranging from just "calling out" the names of those selected to the VERY impressive Lost Pines ceremony which involved pushing the selected individual in the shoulders (to be caught by a person behind them), dragging them to the center of the circled fire, taking their shirt off, and painting a red arrow on their chests. I have been led to believe that all of the ceremonys that involve any kind of "unauthorized touch" have been stopped, but there may still be chapters doing various adaptations and getting away with it.
As for the Eagle Scout Badge getting easier, it is true. Just like Old Army is dying every day, the challenge involved in getting the prestigious badge is less of a hardship. Often, it takes a very expierenced set of adult leaders as merit badge councelors and board of review members to make sure those who are advancing are up to par. Many troops have been called "Eagle Factories" for their rapid production of individuals wearing the Eagle badge, but not necessarily the skills to wear the patch. This becomes evident in Camporees where patrols compete against eachother and validate their skills outside of rank. If a patrol of second class socuts in troop 1 constantly beats a patrol of star scouts in troop 2, troop 1 realizes that they are getting a better program and, in the end, will be worthy of the Eagle Scout Badge.
For the "adult involvement," it is also the job of the adults who chose to be involved to allow the boys to lead. There should be a badge that covers the left pocket flap of the adult uniform that is printed in huge letters saying "IT'S FOR THE BOYS" to remind the adults of the focus of the program. Boy Scouts (and the Order of the Arrow) allows young men to participate in leadership positions without incurring 100% of the liability of their decisions and be advised by more expierenced individuals (older scouts and adults).
As for the current utility of the OA, it is still very necessary. It allows scouts to get away from the groupthink of their own units and councils to sww what other people are doing. It allows for those unable to attend national or regional Boy Scout events to have a nation wide exchange of ideas amongst Honor Campers. The OA also allows Honor scouts the ability to meet people their own age and enjoy similar activities.
There are plenty of areas where this stuff is discussed, including Scouts-L, Vigil-L, Scouting Magazine, etc.
