When you say Armada, Energon and Cybertron, are you talking about the US versions or are you referring to Micron Legends, Superlink and Galaxy Force. Granted the original japanese versions of those 3 series were not great, but Hasbro/whoever was in charge of the voice over/script absolutly butcherd the story. Same thing with Car Robots. TF2000 was a lot better story wise.
I agree with you 110% about headmaster going downhill about halfway through the series, but i HIGHLY recommend watching Masterforce and Victory...they are masterpieces. Great voice acting, great animation. I really believe that MF and Victory were the high points of animation in the TF line. none of the half animated half CG crap.
I also agree that over the past few years, TF series have become WAY too juvenile...almost to the point where its impossible to watch. I guess the producers think that the original TF fans have moved on and they are trying to open up to a newer younger audience.