Could that be because you use the “strawman” label only for those incorrect depictions of opponent’s possition that are above some minimum quality?
Mostly I associate it with an increased tendency to consider ‘intellectual’ debate to be a practical way to gain status and dominance (wait, I mean, an increased tendency to consider it ‘fun’). From there practice and exposure to others teaches what kind of debate tactics are the most effective. Straw manning is at the top of the list. (In my observation the challenge for the debater is to judge the audience well to work out what degree of misrepresentation they can get away with in the context and go the easiest target within those bounds.)
Mostly I associate it with an increased tendency to consider ‘intellectual’ debate to be a practical way to gain status and dominance (wait, I mean, an increased tendency to consider it ‘fun’). From there practice and exposure to others teaches what kind of debate tactics are the most effective. Straw manning is at the top of the list. (In my observation the challenge for the debater is to judge the audience well to work out what degree of misrepresentation they can get away with in the context and go the easiest target within those bounds.)