I think that Lexus is definitely getting up there with the Germans, so I don't think you are going crazy. My personal opinion, I think Lexus isn't at the German's stage, for example many magazines say the IS or the GS can't match the 3 or the 5 (or other German's) in terms of ride and fun-ness. But Lexus is improving quickly, and the German's better watch out, because its only a matter of time when the fun factor etc become equal. One thing for sure, Lexus has better reliability that any German right now.
I think that when it comes down to it, people buy the German's over Lexus purely for the name. Aside from a few, I feel the majority don't care that much for the fun-factor, but thats only what I think from what I've seen here in New Zealand.
One thing I can tell you, the Japanese have the best manufacturing processes in the world, in particular Toyota has one of the best, if not the best, manufacturing process. What I sincerely believe, is that what someone else can make, Toyota can make cheaper (and in some cases better), therefore meaning they can add more stuff as standard that the Germans cannot.
With Lexus undergoing a new design phase (I think their new cars definitely look way better than their old counterparts), and with the cars becoming more sporty, Lexus is really become a real alternative to the German's. Although for me personally, give me a Beemer anyday
. Still I won't be complaining if someone gave me a Lexus.
BTW, anyone that says that your comments are foolish, and "Lexus sux" quite clearly are biased. I personally say bring it on, it'll only mean that the German's will have to step up their game to keep with the play, and thats only a good thing for us, the consumer.