IMHO, it's not fair to point out that the bottom half of the playoff bracket consists of teams with much worse records than in recent years without also mentioning how historically good the top half is (particularly the GSW and Spurs). The two facts are related.
Still don't think the west is a weak(er) conference. There's a ton of talent already eliminated in the west, while I still see a garbage series in the East (Toronto/Miami). Damn, if we played in the east we'd be a lock for the ECF vs the Cavs...Opposed to having to beat them after facing the Clippers, Warriors, and Spurs. Seriously just think about it (hypothetically).... The Cavs road to the finals - Detroit, Atlanta, Miami. The Spurs road to the Finals - Mavs, Thunder, Warriors( Please baby Jesus let us make history!). Can you sit here with a straight face and tell me you think both of those paths are equally as difficult?