First bit of your post is true - it was pretty amazing not having to work the car and it just went off like a rocket from almost any revs... but the last bit is more true There's something even more sweet about having to be really accurate with the pedals and matching revs when the car is near the limiter.
Guess it's just two different ways to enjoy a car, and everyone's different.
Diesel isn't more fun to *drive* though, and never will be, for the reasons Nick put above.