Her older songs weren't always perfectly mixed and mastered but were still much much better than the last few years. I know I would enjoy We Are the Queens a lot more if it didn't have a terrible dynamic range and so LOUD.
The Loudness War still continues even in 2016 sadly.
I also am feeling down about her recent videos. But I think music videos have been declining everywhere. I always have felt like music videos aren't as big of a deal as they once were. They used be a big part of culture but now they just upload them online and that's it. They really just use them as promo. They aren't really the big art production like they were in the 20th century and 2000's. I also second that most of the Ayu cash is invested in the concerts above all else, not videos. At this point Ayu seems to be releasing albums to support her tours. Usually artists go on tour to promote their new album and to please fans or make new fans. But Ayu's albums have been almost like introductions to what is to come. She uses the album to expand on it's concept later on in the tour.
As for experimentation in her songs, I think she still does. Who was expecting You are the only one on Made In Japan to sound like it did? Or Survivor? Which I don't like but still was not expecting. Maybe she doesn't do it quite as often anymore, most likely because Avex tells her she needs at least a few songs that are mainstream enough to be commercially successful.
I think Ayu needs to take a break after this year's Countdown. During this time she should take time to rest and relax and also prepare for her 20th anniversary. I thought the 15th anniversary was disappointing. If she takes two years off she could rest her voice for the first time in like 20 years?
Taking time off did both Gackt and Utada well, I think Ayu could do the same. It would be so nice if she could do something big for the 20th.
Perhaps two years is extreme to some but that's my suggestion. I think it would help fix or make better a lot of the issues going on with Ayu personally and within her career