I MUST be doing something wrong

Let's see.. of the 2 D100's I owned I had no issues.

My D70 did have the BGLOD issue, which Nikon repaired at no charge even after the warranty expired. In fact they even replaced the meter board after that when it went south.

I had 2 D200's; one I sold and one has been converted to IR and I still have it. No problems with either one.

D300 - I have it and no issues.

D700 - No problems and remains a treasured body.

D800 -  No issues to date; I havent noticed a left AF sensor issue, but really haven't been trying to "provoke" it, either. Admittedly, with only about 3000 clicks I'm still in the "honeymoon" phase.

So, of the 8 digital bodies I've owned, only one has had an isssue.

I have an F100 and 2 F5 bodies as well. The F100 required a new door after the latch broke the very first time I loaded film into it. THAT cost $235.00!!

I'd say my the digital line is in pretty good shape even if there has been a slip in quality control.