I have to agree with you on some of the best stuff. I only really go there when following a link from LJ, but have found some really good stories through other author's rec lists etc. It's rare that I look through the postings within the categories, because then I would have to wade a lot. I fear I might be missing out, but I figure that others won't and I'll eventually find out about those stories through recs. Only when I first join a fandom will I wade through.