As the season just started, remember that the less people play, the larger the DEC rewards. A lot of new players don't really know this and start wondering why they earn way less towards the end of the season.
Did the new Ranked Battle Update change this?
The DEC pool is still the same (Actually, it's probably higher now that DEC has reached it's current value.
Source
The main difference is you have to climb in the ranks to earn more. I've noticed that the Rank limitations actually encourages people to rent even more and climb the ranks. These are the same people who were happy staying in Bronze 3, but now they're enjoying the game more with all the game modes the higher ranks have to offer.
So what are you waiting for? Come join the party! Grind for those DECs now and see you on the battlefield!