War gamers love to slap the elite label on anything it can stick to.
So the whole 82nd or the entire Waffen SS become ‘elite'. Lazy research.
Even within the airborne divisions some units had more experience and a better cadre than others.
IMO you have to look into a unit in detail, how was it raised, what experience has it had, has attrition been unsustainable, what replacements has it had, and then how much training as a unit to absorb the new meat into a cohesive unit.
The GIR units probably didn't have as much Elan as the PIR units, nor the same rigorous training. But when all the old sweats have become casualties or been promoted that probably matters less and less. There can be a tradition of living up to a high standard, but it can be overrated. Just because you've got the shoulder patch doesn't mean much by itself.
GIR could perform amazing feats of arms. The assault across the causeway at La Fiere in Normandy must have taken immense courage.
paints 
