There used to be a law stating that at the point the shuttle was struck the racquet must be pointing in a downward direction, has this been removed? https://extranet.bwfbadminton.com/d...466/1470/Section 4.1 - Laws of Badminton.pdf (or am I being blind?!)
Correct, with the introduction of the fixed service height in December 2018, the racket angle rule has been dropped. Currently, almost all national tournaments are still playing under with the old laws though, officially known as the alternate service law.
The Alternative Laws of Badminton are not "the old laws." They are applicable in specific situations. Many event organisers do not have the fixed height service device, so they use the "server's waist" and "shaft pointing downward" section apply instead of the Laws of Badminton. Other situations when the alternative laws are used are when the scoring system of 1x21, 3x15, or 5x11 games are played; they will consequently have corresponding interval and change of ends sections. There is nothing like the old laws. It is best to use the proper terms and phrasing, alternate (it is alternative) service law notwithstanding.