Don't remember much about Shelton's 1st reign, but Kofi's reign didn't seem that great to me, but hey.
It seems like Santino has really acknowledged the importance of the championship, and is not just holding as a centerpiece, like a lot of the other champions have through the years. The Honk-A-Meter angle, has really put over the belt in the last few weeks, when he finally loses it, I think it will be a big deal.