The Nicene Creed is something we have in common with non-Roman Catholics and with many groups not in communion with the Catholic Church, inserted into the Mass before the Apostles' Creed was even attested, as an acclamation of the fullness of Christian teaching.  The Apostles' Creed, on the other hand, is a peculiarly Latin thing.

 While I can see the merit of using it as an explicit renewal of baptismal promises the Nicene Creed does that and more.  It is a greater affirmation and a symbol of the unity of the Church and aspiration of reunion with Eastern Orthodox and others.  That you haven't heard it in 40 years is sad even if the priests substituting for it (is there an indult?) have good motivations and aren't doing so because they object to some of the doctrines of the Nicene Creed.