storyline length

There are a lot of complaints about the length of storylines, how they drag on, etc. Isn't that what a soap opera is? I can remember lots of storylines in the past on several soaps that went on for a long time. I actually have not minded the Sydney storyline going on this long. Sometimes things are wrapped up so quickly they make my head spin ! I guess it's just the culture now of wanting everything now, right away.