QAF as ground breaking for all the right reasons, and showed that people would watch and commit to a show, even though there wasn't a heterosexual character (of any relevance) in sight.
I would question how much this show realistically portrays gay life - do gays really go clubbing every night? Is every man at least a 'little bit' gay? Do all lesbians really want babies? Do people really have sex wherever and whenever they please?
Also, its a shame that QAF focused so much on 'the pretty people', where clubs are only full of muscled, young guys with fab bodies and great hair, relegating 'the ugly people' (ie. guys with less perfect hair, and without the body for a vest top) to such minor roles as 'drug dealer', 'sleazy club promoter' and 'evil lawyer'.
Many of the gay stereotypes are also strangely present - the older, dignified gay man; the camp, 'heart of gold' gay man; the young 'finding his feet' gay man; the oversexed 'scene queen'; the 'druggie'; the hustler; the HIV positive gay man; the 'straight turned gay' gay man; the closeted gay man; token lesbians.... the list goes on. Was it was written like this to appeal to the 'straight' audience, presenting gay men in boxes that could be easily understood?
However Gale Harold is a marvel as the central character Brian, and the entire supporting cast is also terrific, with a lovely star turn from Sharon Gless as Debbie. The shows strength is also how visually attractive it is - wonderful set pieces (such as the charity ball, pride parade, Mel and Lindsey's wedding and Babylon's re-opening) plus all the hunky nakedness.
Season one and two are when the show was at its peak; everything goes a little 'soapy' in season three; downhill in season four and perks up in season five (with the incredibly well done anti-gay bombing of Babylon) and the ending is quite fitting, closing everything done well. I would suggest that the show had probably reached it natural end, so closed at the right time.
It will stand forever as, very possibly, the only ever 100% gay fiction series, and if that is the case then it simply couldn't have been done better!! Highly recommend!