OP, as with a lot of things, it depends on what your intention of use for a bike. I have some experience with steel, aluminum and carbon frames. My aluminum frames were the fastest I owned, but I also got two tooth fillings rattled out of my mouth (they were that stiff, especially my CAAD 8). I have test-rode two Ti bikes, and the BB kept moving on me (the only way I'll ever consider a TI frame is if it were custom-built with appropriately selected tubes). Now, carbon is where I've been in the last six years or so. And I love it. It is perfect for my typical ride, 65-70milers. I come back not beat up after having a fast exercise ride.

The real thing though is that I find myself admiring and ogling Ti and classic steel bikes, but once I remember my experience on those kind of frames and compare it to why I own road bikes (i.e. intended use), the envy instantly disappears.Kinda like the feeling of seeing a truly beautiful and nubile thing, then instantly being told that she has a really terrible and contagious disease.

Just my two cents.