I believe the GFI requirement was introduced back in the early 80's. Our last house was built back in 85, and had a single GFI receptacle up in the master bedroom that powered GFI-protected receptacles for the entire house, including basement and exterior receptacles (not the kitchen). As you can imagine, that became a problem as hairdryer wattages increased. It also resulted in the loss of a freezer worth of food while we were away on vacation. Ah, the unintended consequences of regulations... Before the GFI requirement, those receptacles would have all been on independent local circuits. Of course, as GFI prices came down, it became cost effective to do local control.
Jeff