Lower and lower expectations for ISO performance?

Is it just me or does it seem like that as newer cameras come out, people set their expectations for high ISO performance lower and lower. I've looked at the Sony A77 review here and the high ISO performance seems pretty disappointing. Yet in the Sony forums, many people say it's "great". Personally I like to shoot without flash for a more natural look. I'm afraid of how the replacement for the D700 will perform at high ISO.