I went to hardcore shows in the late 80's more for the scene than the music.
i think the answer is hidden in there, in 2 parts.
"in the 80's", i.e. when you were young. punk is the music of youthful frustration, alienation, etc. you're no longer that person, so the music doesn't speak to you.
"more for the scene than the music" - arguably the most revolutionary aspect of punk is that it was a music scene that wasn't about the music first. it was an attitude, a social group, a protest, an identity... that also came with a soundtrack. to examine it "on musical merit alone" is to miss the point. it was never meant to stand alone, so it doesn't do well when you try.
YMMV, IMHO, i'm old, etc etc etc.