Old diplomacy has been criticised as being too dependent on convention, i.e. relying on an almost unwritten code of formalities and protocol, that may have proved workable during the age of European hegemony, when there was a shared culture between those actors engaged in diplomacy. But when diplomacy began to open up to non-European powers, these conventions had to be formalised, and simplified - leading inevitably to profound change.
However, some aspects of the old diplomacy remain crucial. For instance, the importance of diplomatic staff maintaining personal links with their foreign counterparts and maintaining trust. In some occasions, maintaining trust in a relationship involves keeping secrets, as it is essential that some things that are said in back rooms in confidence, not be broadcast by the other party.
I must say that this is an interesting blog. I do agree with the fact that old diplomacy has been criticised by many. However, like you also stated "Old diplomacy remain crucial". For some of the critics of Old diplomacy, new diplomacy is something new and it fits perfectly with our contemporary world. However, old diplomacy served as the way for many centuries and some of its main aspects are the very crux of new diplomacy.
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