Exactly. The beauty of Irene Adler is that (used properly) the character can really be one of the few to get the better of Sherlock. But I'm not holding out much hope, here. I know the drawbacks of Moffat's show-running skills - have finally given up on Dr Who for the very reasons you mention (the recent Christmas special killed it for me.) Godlike-character-syndrome in spades, too little in the way of consequences, too much noise and fury.

I'll keep watching Sherlock and hope for the best. At least it is, generally speaking, good TV.