as for me, it seems that it is taking longer, not faster. the reason being that i would try and get the whole thing done at one sitting, so i would settle for somethings even when i didnt really think it was my best. i run into blocks all the time..... personally i think they are good for me, because it makes me ocus on something else for a while- its not good to be completely wrapped up in beats (for me personally) and rhymes.... i got things that are more pressing to me then this, as much as i am passionate about what i do.
the other thing is that i am doing more to it, engineering wise, adjusting levels, panning, effects, etc- things i did not have and havent had for most of my producing years. all in all the it comes down to something chad hugo said in remix magazine- "just because music can be made quickly doesnt mean that it should"..... and for me i am quite content to let a half finished track sit until i can get it right.