Quite a simple change, but it's funny how effective it is. Having a seasoned, level-headed MC whom has come of age is enough to make a pleasant story out of a deadhorse setting.
I honestly wouldn't mind having more stories in which the MCs are old people, and actually behave like seniors. And that means: they don't scratch their neck every 5 seconds, get embarrassed every little thing, become completely useless at the sight of a woman, and feel it too necessary to prove themselves.