Certainly your point about holy bishops attracting priestly vocations is very true. The number and quality of priestly vocations is probably the #1 indicator of a diocese's present and future spiritual health, and there a godly Bishop is the key man.
But deacons, too. We have great men serving. It seems to me that they are an indispensable link between the priests (who do tend sometimes to get cocooned up in their rectories) and the laity (out here in the Howling Secular Wilderness, Anxiety City and Mortgage World.)
I am glad that your deacons are such assets. I have heard other stories of formation issues wherein some guys think that the Church needs them more than they need Her. That is poisonous as you well know.
My parish has such a wonderful and holy pastor, I wish that was true for every parish.