If you're thinking of the era of electronics that had faulty caps when new, failing at staggering rates (early to mid 2000's), I'd say no - however the vast majority of Macs built in the early 1990s have caps that are failing now.
Plague? I suppose in a way, but these machines have all outlived their planned useful life. Component failure is unfortunate, but not necessarily a sign of faulty design.

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