A while back someone (I cannot recall who, and could not remember exact phrase for search) commented on the shift in relationships between Bruce and Dick and Bruce and Alfred. I think it was bronze age, but wouldn't swear to it. But in that one Alfred something along the lines of the knowing Bruce better than anyone except Dick or being closer to Bruce than anyone except Dick. And the poster commented on the change in relationship and how that caveat would not be used today.

Here is an old thread about who Bruce trusts most. First post says
Alfred is obviously far and away at number 1 so we don't need to include him.
But, of course, that wasn't always true. Just reading older stories and Batman #40 (from 1947) made me think of it. In that issue, Bruce fakes his death. Dick is in on the secret, and Alfred isn't. Obviously, that is a very old example.

But when do you think the shift from Dick as the person Bruce is closest to and trust the most to Alfred in that position happened?