The changes to Skype are, unfortunately, intentional, to get the software to run under the Modern UI (now called UWP apps) that are often featured in the Windows Store. The reason for this seems to be to be able to put Skype on non-standard platforms outside of Intel/AMD-based PCs and onto portable devices like tablets, phones, probably XBOX- that may run a more limited version of the Windows kernel (some are calling this, possible micro-kernel, Windows Core OS. This seems to be in response to the huge capitalization of iOS and Android basically sweeping over consumer devices and basically limiting Windows to more traditional hardware found in offices, workplaces, hospitals, and so on.
However, I must agree, that the new version of Skype is... unfortunately... absolute trash. It has gotten better, and mirrors more closely the original version, but not enough. There are huge tradeoffs that I have noticed with these "Modern" or UWP apps. And this is something that has been noticeable since their initial launch in Windows 8. If you recall, back then, you could not run one of these apps outside of full screen mode, or in multiple Windows, without third party software like ModernMix. Sadly, the Skype conversion still leaves much to be desired.
For years, internally, and in some cases, open to the public, we ran our own WindowsForum.com team chat on Skype. We have moved away from this platform and are now exploring another option that would provide seamless integration with the forums and allow people to chat in real-time, as well as search for, and potentially interact with, content already on the forum. Unfortunately, because of all the annoying changes, it was time for us to abandon Skype and look for something that would have a more utilitarian value to integrate into the website (Of course that is not yet ready).
That is not to say things can't get better for Skype, but I personally have been noticing it going downhill for quite awhile. I don't see it returning to its glory days as long as its a UWP/Modern UI app. It is still quite usable to make "landline" VoIP calls, but so is Google Hangouts and a bunch of other products and services for that. I think that one of the reasons that the new version is even still popular is that its force-bundled with every version of Windows 10... much like IE was (and still is for legacy reasons) until they replaced it with Edge. And it is getting tedious.
Good luck
@MikeHawthorne, but I am quite sure there are few people if any, that enjoy this version of Skype. Microsoft had a great product for businesses called Lync that was separated from Skype, but after they bought out Skype they decided to end it and just call it "Skype for Business".