They're re-designed, but did quality go to the birds?

Has anyone else gotten Early Release, Mint State, Silver American Eagles from NGC yet?

I know that MS69 coins are not supposed to be perfect. I mean they are, in so many cases, so close to perfect most of us can't tell the difference. But, from a roll of 20 coins, all MS69, the faces and fields of the coins are SO nicked, so visibly damaged compared to years passed, I am in total shock of the quality from not just the mint, but from NGC because of the MS69 grade -- and I wonder, is it just me?

I have three 2007 Silver Eagles, for instance, that are just graded by NGC as "Gem Unciculated." According to the Red Book, Gem Uncirculated is about an MS65 graded. These coins look nearly perfect to the eye. The MS69 Early Release coins that I got for 2008, also from NGC, on the other hand, are nicked all over, front and back, and have noticeably less appeal.

Anyone else? Is it just me?