The V8i classic menu bar was simpler, faster and more efficient. You did not need a search tool because you could find everything, unlike the Connect Edition. Also, there is no need for the 'backstage' to find 'settings' when they readily available from the classic menu in V8i. Bentley should reintroduce the classic menu from V8i into their Connect Edition as well as 2023. Afterall, Autocad 2024 has done it and it works well.
Autodesk was also first with that ribbon, see how that turned out. ;)
I agree that the old interface was faster, easier, but it may very well be just due to years of experience... not the GUI itself. Young folks adopt the ribbon no complaints.