still a good way to waste a bit of time though
I think that Kankuro has not improved, Temari has maybe learned a new jutsu, maybe the same and I imagine that Gara has gained more control of the sand as a result of having a different perspective on life.
Before he let the sand do its thing and he attacked when he felt fiesty or threatened, I would bet that he has learned how to block much better and possibly how to attack in a manner to deabilitate but not absolutely kill, something he hasn't really demonstarted before.