While i liked "skyfall", "layer cake" was brilliant, imho, but like you said, a matter of personal taste.
Didn't watch the new "casino royale" yet. The original one was my first bond movie, as a teenager.
I might have forgotten one or another, but i think i never saw a remake that was better than the original, with the exception of Johnny Depp's (Alice in Wonderland, Charlie and the chocolate factory).
Arguably not remakes as the books were the primary source. I preferred the original c&tcf movie but don't compare the aitws because Disney is Disney and there are other interesting interpretations.