TBH, and I know this goes against the grain with most 'opera buffs', composers have their crests and troughs like any creative artist. Where opera is concerned I've sat through enough hours of connective mediochrity waiting for the heart rending aria to know the difference for my self, and I do realise it is for my, subjective enjoyment....
I used to be against the idea of creaming the best bits but, for me ... now, they are the best bits and I'm more than happy to forego the rest. That said, if offered a ticket to CG like I have been for something exceptional, I'd leap at it