They weren't a crap product, they were an extremely inconsistent product, which in a sense, I suppose, means crap.
A few weeks ago I had possibly my best ever longhaul economy flight on SAA LHR CPT. A few weeks later I had possibly the worst (Iberia excluded) on the return leg.
Years ago when I was commuting I had the worst First class flight I'd ever had, followed by the worst Business class flight, both on SA between JNB and LHR. During the same time, I had one of the best Business class flights on them and the best First.
Generally I've found them good.