I think overuse of anything is bad and if a team of the caliber of Australia depends solely on sledging and mind games then the result is always the same what is happening with Australian team. The Australian media and former big players are also supporting their current squad in this dirty game and the result is for everyone to see. ::confused::
The Australian team seems to have got sledging down to a fine art, as did the previous teams but it's not just Australia that do this, it's just that they are the ones that are less concerned about covering it up. Many teams play mind games and will have a sly dig at their opponent, but a lot of it is done out of sight or earshot of the cameras and umpires, but it does go on.
To be honest I see sledging as part and parcel of cricket and sport in general, and while it might not be good to see and hear as far as the spectators are concerned and particularly those watching on TV, the players themselves are used to it and I don't think it's the big issue that everyone seems to think it is.