They never did. I had a 38 M&P not too long ago that the S/N indicated was made in 1916. On the butt was a factory mark indicating that it was returned to the factory in 6/16. No idea why, I'm too cheap to spring for a letter. And it locked up on me after a few rounds in 2024, so I guess not much changed over the years. Dealer gave me my money back.
I resisted a 686 for years, actually from the time they were introduced until six months or so ago. I finally broke down and bought one of the "bad" ones. You know the ones. A -6 with MIM parts, ugly rubber grips, and (GASP) the lock.
It might be the best revolver I've ever fired. It's right there with my Python, and maybe, just maybe a little better, but I suspect someone layed magic hands on it. The D/A trigger I just have to think about it and it fires. The Python is stock out of the box and is close. Really, Really close.
I've replaced the factory rubber grips with a set of Altamont Ropers round/square grips. The Python edges it out in looks still but it's a lot closer now, Shooting is about even. Which one I like best depens on which I shot last. I tell myself, I need to take them both to the range one day when I'm feeling good and shoot them side by side, but then I think..."Why bother? I like them both." Just keep liking them both and don't worry about it.