What you’re seeing is mostly a market-positioning change, not that those features became unnecessary.

The Nikon D70 was not really an entry-level DSLR when it was current; it was more of a mid-level enthusiast body. In Nikon’s lineup, that lineage continued through models like the D80, D90, and later D7000/D7100-class cameras, which do retain features such as dual control dials and a top status LCD.

By contrast, Nikon’s true entry-level DSLR line started later, with cameras like the D40, and those lower-cost bodies typically omitted the top LCD and second control dial as a cost-saving measure. Better rear LCDs and interfaces help, but they don’t fully replace the speed and convenience of dedicated external controls for many photographers.

So, no—you haven’t really missed anything unusual. If you want a modern Nikon body with controls similar to the D70, you should be looking above the entry-level class, at enthusiast models rather than beginner models.