They really do. There are just so many factors. But that bar does continue to raise itself, especially when you yourself are continuing to push past previous limits to stay on top.
Oh, Les Miserables is wonderful and there's always something else to pay attention to when you see it. Then you can get performances like the Dallas production where they changed the setting and it still worked so there's a lot that can be done with it. I remember one year while I was at summer camp, my director decided I would do the On My Own solo in a medley the day before dress rehearsals because I, and I quote, "are tormented and delusional enough."