I think gold digging is basically obsolete now barring rare scenarios.

There are so many sugar daddies out there that any woman who wants a guy with money, in any capacity, will just get a sugar daddy. It's fast, easy and honest. It bypasses the need for a fake relationship or pretend play or other long term gimmicks. Just logically speaking why not go for a guy who is willing to give a hefty monthly allowance and pay for your things than a guy who may or may not pay certain things + a bad fall out in the end.

There will be some exceptions like everything else but I think this holds true for the overwhelming majority of cases.

You could argue that this is a good thing since it's more honest. For women who want money, it gives an easy path. For men who want to pay like this, it also gives an easy path.

The main downside for men is likely that career success/financial status no longer has any significant appeal on their "SMV."