I agree with you. But don't forget that the German shepherd has both strength and speed combined into one. Before the arrival of the Belgian malinois, The German shepherd is the preferred choice and up till this day, I'll take the German shepherd any time and any day. Only fewer people has the Belgian malinois as a family dog or pet but I can proudly tell you that here in Nigeria, about 75% of home has the German shepherd.
A military handler from US Army said it best; the mals can go all day, the GSDs need occasionally rest. On the flip side, if you turn a Mal loose in a crowded market with a bad guy shooting, the Mal will get him but bite everyone in the market. The GSD will work his way through the crowd, decimate the bad guy and help a little old lady across the street on the way back.