I love those Paselas, but you're right...when I swapped down on my Atlantis from 700x35 Paselas at 75 psi down even to Ruffy Tuffys at 100, it was like a different bike. I don't like it as well for a lot of stuff I do, but it was a nice change (incidentally, I went by Rivendell a couple of months ago to talk to them about a Romulus to go with the Atlantis, and I lucked out and scored a used Rambouillet, an ex-demo, cheaper than the Rom. It wears the RTs now, and I keep the Paselas on the Atlantis).
Speaking of Paselas, if you like them, you should know that the sizes and tread designs have changed. I've used them for three or four years, and 700x35s measure about 30mm wide on my wheels. I got a new set last week, and the labeled 35s now are very close to an actual 35 mm, with a knobbier tread. Seem to work fine, but they look fat compared to what I'm used to.