OK, in my physics mock, we used the grade boundaries in the exam. 52% was an A*. This is rare for it to be so low and never will be again, but yes the grades are being devalued.
I have only taken 1 GCSE exam (5 next week) and I got an A (maths on ocr), even though I was predicted a C and still all I felt and still feel is disappointment because it didn't seem all that great. Going off TSR to revise the next module of that subject, hopefully bring it up to that much wanted A*.