[TheRealThing]

Did he go "downhill" when he created Neanderthals?

We've been through this before. There is no evidence in the fossil record to support the existence of Neanderthals. I will give it to you on one thing though, contrived evidence and conjecture certainly do abound.

If it were not just theory. Those looking for an alternative to creation would be lording their incontravertable evidence around in grand fashion. A tooth does not a neanderthal make. No, they are far short of proving a thing except that they are desperate to succeed in their quest but, God will still be there waiting for them. I believe everybody knows down deep that God is there waiting, He made sure that all men are aware of Him; Romans 1:20 (KJV)
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

James 2:19 (KJV)
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.