Nigel, I had the same feeling about my RZ67 when I first got it. Once I fixed up the light leaks and started shooting with it, things got easier - it's now my favorite camera and the one I use the most. I got a Peak Design sling bag for it, making it easy to carry, so I've even been using it as a street camera. At 1/400 or 1/250 I can handhold without too many problems, and any situation where I'm shooting indoors, I'll probably have a tripod anyway. I felt vindicated when my friend who knows nothing about photography came over and tried out the RZ67, and said "THAT'S what it sounds like? That's SO COOL!!" Newfoundland IS an apt analogy in so many ways.
Also by the way, this is an outstanding weekend thread! It's taking me an hour just to go through it all. I particularly enjoyed Blaxton's last picture, of what I think is a garage door or warehouse door? Many other good ones too.