Yes, I completely agree -'bents are just different, not necessarily always better or worse. Different types of recumbents can result in very different handling characteristics. I take claims of superiority for either type with huge grains of salt.
I will say that when I do the US coast to coast, I'd like to do it on a 'bent, if only for the more relaxed head up view that allows me to see more -at least that is what I find.
I'd like to leave you with one thing - don't believe the bent evangelists who say bents are the best thing since sliced bread and don't believe the bent haters that say bents are toys that can't climb. The truth is bents are a really cool type of bike that are good for many riders - they have their pros and cons.