I think the improvement in I Clavdivs really shows up when they get to 'Claudius the God' which is a much weaker novel. The adaptation rushes it a bit but is still considerably better. You're right about the makeup - it's most obvious if you see a photo of Sian Philips in the 00s and she really does look quite like she did as Old Livia. You are also, obviously, right that it is among the best adaptations ever, as well as the yardstick by which all other Roman drama series will be judged for the foreseeable future.

I liked but did not adore Black Ships, and will defer on West Side Story to someone who doesn't intensely dislike the original play!