That may have been more the case in Reagan's second term, then his first term, but I don't really agree with your assessment.
Reagan came into office with a focused agenda that was packed with substance. The Reagan plan was to restore a failing economy, advance tax reform and limited govt, rebuild the military, end the Cold War and revive the American spirit.
When Reagan left office, the economy was soaring, inflation, interest rates and unemployment came tumbling down, income taxes were way down, social welfare and entitlement spending was reduced, the military was ready for bear and the American spirit was alive and well. And most importantly, Reagan won the Cold War, dismantling the Soviet Union and Euro-communism.
I guess what I meant to say was that he talked the talk and walked the walk. That made him more than just a great leader, it made him a great man.