18 Steak and L'Auberge trending down?

I have some friends who live near L'Auberge so it's convenient place to go for an easy night of entertainment. So over the last couple years I've dined with them at 18, and then lost some dollars at various games.

18 never seemed like a great experience but usually acceptable, so we made the easy decision to do it again recently.

As usual, there were about 4 tables occupied, and we were welcomed by the manager and the waiter told us of his upcoming wedding, etc. Drinks were eventually delivered and orders taken. My gf and I decided to split the Wagyu Flight... supposedly 3 small cuts of various Wagyu, ordered Medium. And a few sides to share among the four of us.

Our waiter was pretty much invisible throughout the meal. First cut into my steak I noticed that it was very rare, but thought "I'll keep trying", but eventually just realized that it was too much work to eat. Finally, the manager stops by to check on us, and I ask him to have our steak cooked a little more, and he does, and returns with it... still rare, but we continue, but it was tough and griselly. Oh well, $65 steak, cooked improperly, poor quality and weak service. Lesson learned. Last trip to 18.

Evidently, the casino was bought by someone? I used to wander about the casino, sip dollar Miller Lites and lose more dollars than I care to admit. Now I'm politely informed by the girl at the center little beer booth that Lites are $4 unless your a VIP member (and mentioned something about new owners? I think)

Hmmm... okay... well, heck. So much for a convenient night of entertainment.

Trend or just an off night at the boat?