Has Degrassi changed too much?

I'm a die hard Degrassi fan, have seen every episode, and know every character's story line. The first few seasons of Degrassi: The Next Generation were set up similarly to the earlier series Degrassi Junior High and High (also know as Old School) and were really good. What I mean by this is that there was a large diverse cast with each had a different personality, there would be a scenario in the episode that was the focal point, a common issue would be tackled (cheating, protesting, cutting, internet safety, pregnancy, drugs, etc.), and the episode would lead to a resolution. Occasionally they would drag the episode out into two or three (of course you couldn't have a girl get pregnant and it be done that fast), but it was generally solved shortly. Of course the issues would be used to build onto the characters' personalities and the way they react in other situations. It was never really like the original, because it got more in depth a dramatic in the kids lives. Now it just seems like a mini soap opera. The original cast isn't even there anymore. When do you think Degrassi started going down hill? Or do you think that it is fine the way it is? Just curious.