I got my bike mechanic certification in '09, and I was a shop rat for 5 yr. before that, so what, '04? I still stop in at the shop regularly - friends with the owner - and they're still aligning every RD hanger; nothing has changed in that respect.

Now keep in mind this is only bikes being sold through the typical independent dealer channels. Not implying your bikes are misaligned because I have no experience with them.

It's a funny thing, tho. When I first picked up on their RD hanger alignment, I got curious and asked what other maladies brand new bikes have. Wheels out of true was the second biggest complaint. Overtightened everything was number three.