It's still a rule but it gets bent at all levels of the game because, as soon as the referee blows for a free-kick, a shout goes up for someone to get in front of the ball. All that's changed, from what I can see, is that the free-kick taker is far less likely to blooter the ball at the defender standing only a yard or two away. I agree that it is annoying but I'm a defender, so....