You couldn't Google the answer so you needed (and were allowed to) try stuff. I think this exploration was an invaluable part of my experience. I learned so much from what didn't work. We don't have that luxury anymore - you just Google the best answer.
But you didn't have (to use) huge libraries and just a few days to complete a requirement either...
Nowadays I think a system programmer fits more into the role of prehistory programmer. You need a manual, a couple cups of coffee and that's it. StackOverflow probably doesn't have a lot of answers for system programming I assume. Plus a system programmer usually has more skills out of box.
