Howard is a defensive force, there's no questioning that. Still, I agree that if Orlando falls down to the 6 or 7 seed and Boston ends up with a legit 4 seed (i.e., not just because of winning the Atlantic), there's a case to be made. I think the points about media perception are well taken, though. He's not perceived as the cream of the crop anymore because he's perceived as past his prime. The problem is that even though he is past his prime, he's still better than most in their primes.
To be honest, I think KG will finish well behind Lebron (who might take it this year), Howard, Chandler and Ibaka. Maybe TA and Iguodala too.
I hope, of course, that he makes the All Defensive first team, though I expect the first team to be Howard or Chandler, Ibaka, Lebron, and two of Kobe, Wade, TA and CP. He's most likely second team. Not that he should be, but that's where I think he'll end up.