I would say the clear problem with it is that he can't do the moves. I genuinely believe that, while there may be little handling finesses you could add to Erdnase's moves, they all work and could find a place in a modern magician's repertoire. Yes, some of them are very difficult, but, on careful study of the text, I think it becomes apparent that each finger placement, pressure and movement is important and forms a concerted whole.
What moves do you think are dated and silly looking?