A lot of your responses actually helped quite a bit - thanks for all the input. Unfortunately for me, I know that whatever I end up getting (Mac or PC) is going to technically be overkill for what the laptop's purpose is, which is basic web surfing, word processing, and light/moderate gaming... but I love quick computers, so that's inevitable.
I think I was searching (just like every other post like this) for some magical, eye-opening revelation that convinces me one way or the other, but that's not gonna happen. ALTHOUGH... Mikepro's post came pretty close. That quick, very vague description of the Mac experience is what keeps me intrigued, because I hear it quite a bit. Gah! Well hell... worst case scenario, I think it's "meh" and sell it off! MBP's keep their resale value pretty well, right? I think I'm gonna end up just taking a deep breath and dropping the dough (luckily I'll at least get the friends and family 15% discount from my bud) on a 15"... although something honestly does tell me I'll love it.