The idea was logical that if there was less disturbed air thrown up by cars then this should allow some closer racing.
The subsequent simplification of car's upper surfaces, with more reliance on the underfloor to generate downforce, certainly seemed to achieve some of these goals initially.
But, as the teams now have a more sound understanding of the fundamentals, they are starting to prod and poke at the regulations a little more, with intricate solutions arriving at an increased regularity to try to find gains even if it means more disturbed airflow behind.
These solutions are undoubtedly unravelling some of the original intent first laid down in the new regulations, but they are difficult to stop happening within the wording of technical regulations.
After all, designers are focused on performance and they have no obligation to follow the intent of what was written.
In some cases, though, the FIA has pushed back and altered the regulations to prohibit certain solutions, but not everything is being stopped.
Source: Autosport