Yes, one of the questions to consider carefully, on which the whole future of the traditional movement depends, is (1) Is the New Mass invalid, like a Protestant service? (2) Is it blasphemous, even if valid, like a Black Mass?, or is it (3) the New Mass is only inferior, like a truncated Mass would be? The Truth is certainly in Tradition, and one of these positions must certainly be true, but there is debate among us as to which it is. I would argue for (3). Latin Mass Society has a comparison of the texts here
https://lms.org.uk/missalsOne of the most problematic aspects of the New Mass is the watered-down, ambiguous Offertory Prayers. A beautiful prayer like
"P: Receive, O Holy Father, almighty and eternal God, this spotless host, which I, Thine unworthy servant, offer unto Thee, my living and true God, for my countless sins, trespasses, and omissions; likewise for all here present, and for all faithful Christians, whether living or dead, that it may avail both me and them to salvation, unto life everlasting. Amen." got replaced by a watered-down,
"P: Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life.", which can be taken in a Catholic sense, but also in a heterodox sense.
In spite of this and other manifest problems in the New Mass, most who have examined it conclude it is valid, and contains no heresy. That conclusion also follows from observing that the only words changed in the Words of Consecration are "Mysterium Fidei", the Mystery of Faith. Now, that removal will surely lessen reverence, especially in the Priest, but it will not invalidate the Sacrament. Fr. Garrigou Lagrange, writing before the Second Vatican Council, said those words are not essential to validity. One of Father's theological proofs of the same are that those words are not found in Eastern Liturgies like those of the Greek Church that are valid.
Now, if it is valid, and contains no heresy, as even Bp. Williamson has argued recently, then it confers grace
ex opere operato. I
would say a valid Mass, celebrated in the Catholic Church, always obtains at least some graces, and a valid Communion, distributed in the Catholic Church, always confers at least some graces on those who receive them properly disposed (in a State of Grace). Let's say it obtains 5% of the graces obtained by the Traditional Latin Mass, which is the Complete, Full and Integral Mass. A truncated Mass with some prayers changed arguably does not have no grace at all, but neither does it contain the plenitude of grace as the true Mass does.
Of course, with regard to Holy Communion, another aspect must be considered. The traditional Mass has so many safeguards against sacrilegious Communions also, while in the New Mass, especially with the abolition of many important prayers, without Altar rails, and with the lax and sinful distribution of Communion in the hand etc, sacrileges have multiplied. That also has to be taken into account.
Ladislaus, about Eucharistic Miracles etc, I do not use it as a standalone matter or as the only definitive proof. I use it, as also Bp. Williamson does, as part of a cuмulative case. It constitutes at least significant evidence that must be taken into account, however you wish to argue about it. Scientists have said Eucharistic Miracles cannot so easily be faked:
https://dowym.com/voices/5-incredible-eucharistic-miracles-from-the-last-25-years/ Likewise, with Dr. Marshall's or other conversions etc; sure, that's not an absolute proof, and other explanations, like those you gave, are possible. It is part of the ongoing examination/study on the fruits of the New Mass that must be taken into account. I believe if the New Mass is celebrated reverently, versus Deum, with the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I in the New Mass), with Altar Rails, Communion kneeling and only on the tongue etc, at least 20% of the Graces of the TLM will return.
Yes, we agree there have been horrible loss of graces in the last 50 years, and no doubt the Mass is at the centre of that. But it can also be explained by an inferior Mass, imo, and not only by an invalid Mass, or one blasphemous/ heretical etc. One final thing. It is said that when Anti-Christ finally comes, the Mass will be abolished for about 3 1/2 years. And that will be the worst crisis of all. Doesn't that itself suggest that, at no point before then, the Mass will be completely abolished? Bp. Williamson said graces are "strangled" at the NM.
God Bless.