I agree with you, most people who are dissatisfied with the 80-400mm are using the D version not the G version.
CO wrote:
I have the Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 AF-S lens (the newest version). It's sharp, has very fast autofocus, and has very well controlled distortion throughout the entire zoom range. I really think the nano crystal coating on the glass gives it slightly higher contrast than lenses with standard multi-coatings. I've been impressed with its autofocus. It tracks birds in flight very well (even small birds like terns).