And its use is a complexity in and of itself.

It has and hasn't become more 'acceptable'- more common in visible ways, yes. Things written in present tense exist, but they're in the general minority because of differences in media. There's a growing quantity of fic written in present tense because of the nature of the original media. As far as traditionally published writing goes, it's still part of a large minority with most if it belonging in the children's or YA section of your local bookstore or library.

As far as the PPC goes, present-tense isn't mocked for the sake of mocking present-tense. It's generally picked at because when we write missions, any changes to the word world the agents go into tend to be perceived in any number of ways (we the authors decide) and that includes a surprise shift from past tense to present tense or even (heaven help us) future tense, and sometimes back and forth without warning.

Tense confusion is a strong indicator of a shaky foundation in writing, and one of the basics that should be checked for when anyone writes a story before they post it.

There isn't anything innately wrong with a story written in present tense in and of itself.

Honestly, I'm okay with whatever tense as long as the writer's consistent and the narration doesn't sound awkward. I use present-tense narration when I want the reader to feel really in the moment, ya feel?

Honestly, it doesn't matter if it's in present or past tense; my brain still registers the action as though I'm seeing it happening right in front of me in the present. When I get sucked into a story, I don't see the words; I see images.

And the PPC doesn't mock present tense; it's random tense shifts for no reason that we mock. :P

In fact, part of why I've put off trying to get permission for so long is due to the fact that I just don't pick up on things like tense shifts. I write mainly in the past tense, but I have recently started writing a Black Lagoon fic that uses present tense, in part so I can learn how. It's also the first thing I've ever written in first person, as well.

I, for one, think that each one has a time and a place. I have started using present tense more for personal, character-driven narratives because of the excitement, while I now use past-tense for large, epic narratives. I must admit, writing with it took some getting used to, but now it's practically second nature.

Present tense really isn't a good idea when you want what you're writing to be 'serious' or clinical in some fashion, and it can sometimes limit how you write. Past tense is the same way, but less so, and in a different manner. Since I'm a satirical writer, I still mostly end up using past tense. It can make for better gags and jokes, or maybe I'm just better at being funny in past tense.

Probably a lot more than you were looking for, but since I've had a lot of recent experience with the two tenses, that's just how it went.

I can't remember the last time I read anything in present tense.
It always seemed like one of those fancy-schmancy 'This story's a wee bit weird,' kind of things.
Y'know?

I personally don't like present tense, but that's just my taste. Tense shifts, which can include random present tense, are a charge. Ing disease, which stems from poorly written present tense, is also a charge.