I think as far as muzzel brakes go the magnaport system is one of the better ones.
Noise from a magnaported barrel seems far less than the brakes with big rearward or sideways facing venting.
That said, thesedays I personally wouldn't dream about having any of my bolt guns ported.
You could be right in that it is out of fashion.
Here in Oz it was quite fashionable in the 90's.
I agree with 500 grains that a 404 really doesn't need a brake.
Cartridges based on things like the 460 Weatherby case may be a different story though and the same for any very lightweight bigbore hard kickers.