In the past Cmk has, for me, had two problems that link in. He blows a bit more than others, which couples with his slightly officious style of interaction has not been a great combination. Unlike many refs, he will give long series of pens against teams. Some others tend to be more back and forth unless one team is under the pump, and others tend to brandish yellows more easily, and on that respect cmk has always been quite brave. Historically he often let things go in the first 20, and struggled to gain control after as a consequence, as if he sets out to let it flow and then has to clamp down as players push their luck at the breakdown.
Today I thought he improved in that his style was markedly less officious, and he clearly explained his decisions, whilst he definitely was consistent throughout the game. This has been something he has improved upon. He also worked with the TMO et al well. He set his stall out early.
I feel he probably does whistle more than some others still, but that in itself is not a bad thing, as long as he is consistent, which he was.
I suspect he has simply taken longer to relax and become confident in himself than others.
I think most refs would have given red, but I can see an argument for yellow.
I think there are two camps on the breakdown. A - the laws are there and work if they are enforced and B the laws are in need of overhaul.