But it truly was! It was the only Bond film of that era with an actual
plot
But, far more importantly, it was the only Bond film (until Casino Royale, actually), that treated Bond as a
character, and not just a
type.
It stands above the others because it actually escapes the standard Bond formula. I like a lot of the others, of course, especially the Connery flicks (except for those 2 embarrassments that were released after OHMSS), but they are just character types.
Goldfinger is great, and certainly quintessential, but OHMSS is a better film all around, and without completely sacrificing the weirdness of Bond. Lazenby was unfortunate to have stepped in when he did, and be the guy in the way of Connery that suddenly wanted to return to the roll. It's the only reason he was replaced. He was certainly better than that creepy pedo Roger Moore!