Do you believe that because a Soldier is an outstanding runner, and scores a 300 on the PT test, that they are a PT "stud"?

The (A)PFT tests 3 very specific Health Metrics. That's it. What's worse it is a Subjective Test in that it relies on "Own Body Weight" to do so.

Rucking with a time limit is an Objective Test, in that everyone has the same added weight, as compared to a percentage of body weight. The more you weigh, the less percent increase a pack is for you. The less you weigh, the more of an increase a "standard" pack is. Additionally, we must look at the Science behind Fitness.

Things like Endurance vs. Speed. As we age, our Endurance increases (dramatically) while our Speed Decreases. As an example, Marathon Runners (and those below that distance) are YOUNG. Ultra-Marathon Runners (26.2+ going into 100+ mile distance) are generally in the 40+ age category. The Young don't have the Endurance, while the Old don't have the speed any longer. It's a balance (which would account for your difficulty in pace, yet feeling like you are still in good shape).

But what this really boils down to is a PHILOSOPHY.

If you "Train for the Test" you will Succeed at the TEST. If you "Train for Fitness" you will be more Fit, however that does not necessarily transfer over into "Perfect Test Scores."

Because we INCENTIVIZE Higher Test Scores, as Opposed to Higher Fitness, there is a disproportionate focus on the (A)PFT as opposed to actual Fitness.

We in the profession of arms have a requirement to maintain ourselves (and our equipment) so that when the time comes that extraordinary effort is required, that we can give it when it's needed most. In order to do that, a Soldier - and by extension their leaders - need to challenge themselves far more than pushups, situps, and running two miles. It takes functional movement under duress. In bad conditions. Under heavy load. In the heat or cold or hills or rain.
Because when the time comes that I need everything I can give, the conditions will not be ideal. I will be afraid. I will be assaulted by sights and sounds and bullets and bombs. But I must close with and kill the enemy. Or grab my Soldier and drag him to safety.
The APFT is just a measuring stick. It is a short stick, but it does the job of assessing what areas need training focus. It was never meant to determine winners and losers.
I think the key is to continue to challenge yourself.
Just barely pass the APFT every 6 months? Work on your weaknesses.
Score a 300? Start doing the exercises with a weight belt or vest.
Run two miles in 12 minutes? How about five miles in 30 minutes.
You can ruck all day? Try it with a heavier load, or a longer distance, or a quicker pace.

Or maybe you really are a PT stud that can do it all better than everyone else. Can your Soldiers hang with you? If not, start training them with the secrets to your success.
Training never stops if you are truly dedicated to the profession of arms. We just move on to the next challenge.

The APFT is just one portion of fitness, and is currently a "one size fits all" test regardless of your job. I do think it is important. But, as you and the Army know it is not the perfect measure, and today os likely not the best measure. For what is worth... I always worked to achieve 300 or better, and never missed by much... (a few 290s in my latter years), and as a leader I always encouraged and motivated all Soldiers to aim high vs. just passing. Nevertheless, gender neutral - MOS based physical fitness tests are the right answer, and where our Army heading. But, to and answer your question...PT studs and studettes are associated with the APFT scores, not the job, so Yes.