[cal2]

I agree with you.

At first, I would use TikZ anywhere and everywhere I could just because it was so novel to me.

I've found that TeX's and TikZ's novelty can fade pretty quickly, but their usefulness when used appropriately only grows with time. They are, however, very situational tools.

> I sat down and read most of the manual in one sitting...

Dear God, man, are you sane!? I'm joking. :)

But sometimes I would just look at the manual in my spare time because it really is that beautiful.