I don't think James/Cipres are quite on a level with S/M and S/H, though they are getting closer and improving every year. And they certainly made a statement with their win at GPF.
But with that snobby attitude J/C, will never be good enough for you. How can you say with a straight face that J/C are not on Sav/Mas and S/H level???
FYI: Bruno Massot was not on Aliona's level when they first paired, but he improved over time and skated up. S/H have always been a determined and consistent team with excellent tricks. It's only been in recent seasons that they finally grew aesthetically with the help of Shen/Zhao, deepening their overall abilities. But for the last few seasons, with Sui's injuries, they are not quite as solid on the sbs jumps that can give Sui difficulty. Still, by force of will alone, they can win championships. Not many teams are on their level. But T/M and J/C are, whether you think so or not.
S/M are currently not competing, but when they first paired, they were considered one of the top teams largely on the strength of Aliona's expertise and experience. As Bruno became more consistent and closer to Aliona's level, they began winning, but it didn't happen overnight. They were in fourth place after the sp at the Olympics, due to a minor error on a jumping pass by Bruno. It was by sheer force of will and desire that they skated perfectly in the fp to win, surpassing the other teams who were not quite as perfect in the fp.
J/C have always been excellent with lifts, and they've always had great speed and relative consistency on their jumping passes -- they are more consistent on jumping passes than many teams. In recent seasons, their lifts have been so innovative, they are being copied. Vanessa gets good height on throws, but she sometimes lands a bit forward on certain jumps. Still, she is an amazing pairs lady who always guts out performances, without giving in to awkward landings. Not everyone is able to gut it out like that. Only the best are in that category.
The most important 'it-factor' that J/C possess is their hot chemistry, which teams either have or they don't. Vanessa & Morgan have an enviable charisma that they don't even have to work at. Plus good looks and amazing physiques. They match exceptionally well, and their connection is electric, which enhances everything they do. In these aspects, J/C are the best, period.
A lot of people like to put J/C down for the catch-all SS bugaboo, when the fact is, many teams do not have great SS. Of course T/M and S/H do have superb SS, but T/M lack any connection to each other or to the audience, and they've had a great deal of trouble consistently finding the right music and programs. In addition, some inconsistencies have crept into T/M's performances the past couple of seasons. When T/M are in the zone, of course, they provide a clinic with their technique and SS. But that's not enough to be fully well-rounded, despite the fact T/M are often favored by judges on the basis of their SS. We'll see whether T/M bringing Charlie White onto their team this coming season will have the impact they are looking for. And ahem, Charlie White did beautiful, standout work for J/C and for Denney/Frazier last season. There's a reason why T/M are seeking Charlie's input.
While J/C may not have the deepest of edges, they have improved a lot in this area and demonstrate much more smoothness over the ice. They've always had good ice coverage. Another area where they have improved is skating two as one. Over the past several seasons, they have been excellent in this category. And the fact that they already have a magical connection with each other, heart and soul, only adds further impact to their unison.
As well, J/C incorporate very difficult transitions with superb ease, so much so that they don't always get the credit they deserve in that area from the judges. Furthermore, J/C's triple twist, which was average when they first paired is one of their best elements today. It's very strong and consistent, with great height and smooth touchdown. Another important factor has been J/C's excellent music selection and superior choreography. Collaborating with Zimmerman, Fontana, Barrett and Kerr worked magic for J/C. And this past season, was their third straight with bravura music selection and choreography that has been influential. Their costume aesthetic, movement style, and many of their moves have been widely copied, which is a compliment, and indicative of the fact that J/C and their choreographers have been setting an important pace in pairs figure skating.
ETA:
James/Cipres have been 'making a statement' for the past several seasons. Last season, they won every competition they entered except Worlds (which was their only hiccough after winning Euros and having a long layoff).
Courtesy of Julie Wie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMexhHEzVGE Allez! 
