While I don't have a Nexus S, I do have a phone that is identical in every hardware aspect (Epic 4G) and I would say that the S-AMOLED problems you are seeing are the result of a dud unit, not the screen on all the devices.
Personally, I feel that the S-AMOLED screen is the best screen ever made and it outperforms any other device in terms of brightness, battery usage, and just general sexyness.
Personally, I feel that the S-AMOLED screen is the best screen ever made and it outperforms any other device in terms of brightness, battery usage, and just general sexyness.