
well i can say that yes i never had as much fun in a 4wd as i had in wanky wagon.... BUT
i bought a swb patrol shortly after retiring the wagon. In stock form it was stronger, more capable and more comfortable, it was simply a better 4wd than my heavily modified L-series. I drove it hard and it never broke anything. I drove my wagon just as hard and it would break everytime i took it out.
Subarus are great for a toy and the wow factor that you give other 4wders is certainly awesome, but a subaru will never ever be as capable as something with live axles and a real low-range.
I was like you guys until i bought a proper 4wd and started realising the benefits.
Having said that, i lost interest in 4wding after i bought the shorty, it was simply too easy. I loved 4wding my subaru, powersliding the wagon on 18psi around bogged big 4x4s on the beach was awesome fun

alex