I might agree with you....saying the late 90s were the evolutionary point. Up until that point, you were quiet if you did stuff like this. Last decade, if this showed up in your background...nobody would say much.
If you go look at pictures of this guy...bodybuilder type. Based on the violence demonstrated on his wife, if you did a steroid test on the guy....something might show up.
I think we essentially agree just slightly different time-line. I just think it started earlier then the 90s. I have 40-some years in the defense business both inside and outside - as a contractor. Mostly retired now. I can remember the USG memos & security policy change documents on personnel particularly for SAP positions that opened the door. Anyone who had any people sense knew what the long term consequences would be.