System requirements going up with each Blender version?

Hello there! I had one question and hoped you could answer it. Are system requirements going up with each Blender version?

I started using Blender at version 2.69a and it worked well, with the 2.70 versions I’ve felt it’s been more heavy on my computer. I download 2.74 a day or two ago and it is just a complete fruitcake. I tried going to one of my main scenes and it kept crashing every single time. I then downloaded 2.72 and it works fine (knocking wood), I hope it keeps working.

I’m guessing this has to do something with system specs/compatibility(?) Requirements can’t go up that fast though, can they?

Thanks.