Yes, our previous shepherd was wonderful. Didn't meet many of the standards (was registered) but what a charmer. People that were afraid of shepherds would eventually approach him because of his floppy ears, in spite of his 110 lbs.
Sadly, I think you may be right. This has spoiled it for us and shepherds. It also shows spending big bucks for a dog doesn't mean a thing. Lesson learned.
I've never personally known a bad Shepherd (I've known of some, but not at all close). I've had 3 now (females) and my sister 2 (males). I've had a cheap 1 from a local farm w/o papers and 2 AKC registered (including German lines) for $500 (both "then" and "now". The 1st registered dog I had - fantastic, unequalled, and happily self-assuredly dominant (co-worker: "Scary as hell when approaching the door but come inside welcome, and she was the nicest dog"). My dog now - sweet and sappy, but wimpy and full of allergies (German lines). Sister's 2 dogs also happy-go-lucky types. Current 1 (yearling) is having problems w/destructiveness but he is another love-bunny. Oh and BTW, sister's dogs both very expensive German-only lines (the last 1 had bad allergies, too, like my pup. German lines = allergies, any1?).
Heck even my farm-owning aunt's friend's last Shepherd - years ago - was running all over the animal farm harmlessly when doing chores, nice dog if a bit goofy.