I am currently watching Thunderball on AMC. Any Bond purist will tell you that the formula was totally fleshed-out with Goldfinger, and reached its highest point with Thunderball. Everything since has been but a pale imitation.

Personally, I think many of the Brosnan Bonds , when compared on a level playing field, surpass all the Connery Bonds. It is just that they are not so impressive relative to their contemporaries.

Oh, and Cpl. Blondie might be happy to know that, last I heard, Ioan Gruffudd was a favorite to be the next Bond. Personally, I would prefer Cary Elwes.