Honestly, I haven't even seen Duke as serious competition for about 5 years. It's been hard to take their soft, unathletic teams seriously lately. They have been consistently overrated, and they play a flop-ridden, floor slapping, feet kicking brand of basketball that is truly annoying.
Despite your assertions, they have NOT been the top program in the country for awhile. Not even in their conference. I have generally rooted for Duke against UNC because UNC has been a more serious threat to KU's national position and recruiting efforts.
Seriously, if Duke would have had an early exit this year, they would have faded further into insignificance.
_________________________ The glass is half empty. There. I said it.