That was my first concern as well. Move the power closer to the people not further. I may like it now because it achieves my goals, but certainly would not want it used against me.
I think the Gracies are done, Didn't Hughes or Ortiz kick the snot out of the youngest one?
I was thinking more along the lines of the history of the sport. The Gracies are the Godfathers of modern MMA, Helio, Royce, Rickson. They brought the Brazilian jujitsu to the sport and dominated those that only knew how to strike.
The sport has changed dramatically over the years and a pure BJJ guy simply can't survive. A mix of boxing, wrestling, and jujitsu are mandatory now.
Oh, and it is so much less violent than boxing in my opinion. Boxing requires blows to the head over a much longer period of time which is what causes the long term damage.