Haha, I can relate...

NJ, I think some people like them because they've got a Clydesdale ride... big, stable, forgiving of "monster-trucking" stuff, and hard to flip. For a lot of people, maybe that's the right thing. Personally, I'm an XC racer and my top priorities are fast acceleration, high maneuverability, fast climbing, and fast flat-out cruise speed, all of which my 26" race bike does better than a high-end 29er in my size.

Anyway, if possible, try equal-caliber bikes from both camps and see what you like.