one of the pleasures is looking at the quality of manufacturing. I love holding the Nikon F3 and marveling at the precision. Rack forward the film mechanism, and the bearings are silky smooth. I think that is why many love the D300/700/D3/D800 cameras.
On the otherhand, the quality control of the "offshore" production sites of Nikon have produced quality product. I really don't see much quality issues with the D7000. Seem plenty solid, and the defect
ratio is on par with production in Japan. (remember the D800 issues - Made in Japan)
But,, will say that each generation of gear is just a bit cheaper. Pre AI,, art, AI,, fine crafstman, the plastic AI autofocus,, not bad, but... and now G lens,, well even less quality, but still fine peices of equipment.