Eric-
Scott Settlemeier was the GM brand manager for Camaro. They stopped production in the 2002 model year. Scott still has the Camaro brand manager title. Does that tell you something?
The GTO was a quick attempt to fill a hole. The Australian Holden Monaro already had the LSx engine architecture, and was reasonably easy to US certify. It was never a long-term plan. I agree that the GTO missed the mark. (Although the '05/06 with the 400hp LS2 allows you to overlook a few shortcomings)
The next-gen Camaro is poised to stomp the new Mustang. There is talk of the SS carrying a 'detuned' 7.0L LS7 (from the '06 Z06 - sans the exotic dry-sump and titanium rods) that is rumored to be worth about 475hp. Enough to one-up the GT500.
If you think the height of the muscle car era was in 1969, check out the streets today.
E