Ruined is too harsh of a word. They still had some great moments with very entertaining episodes. I think I have to compare it to the rest of the series. Outside of season 1, I don't think they were on-par with the others.
I'll compare it to music for a second. Let's say there's a band you like. They've released several albums and the most recent one is better than most others you ever listen to but not quite up to what those earlier works of the same band were.
And, although Michelle was very annoying during those seasons, she is not the reason I don't like them as much as others. Otherwise, season 5 could very possible be the worst.
I guess I just didn't enjoy the plots or characterizations as much during those times. The biggest thing that captured me in FH was the aura, and it seemed noticably lessened at that point in the series in my mind.
