Well, Richard, I have to tell you that thirty or forty all playing at the same time and (mostly) playing the same chords can be pretty loud.

I find it interesting - not surprising, because I expected it to divide opinion - but interesting how polarised opinion is on the (de-)merits of the instrument. All I'll say at this moment is this: don't knock it until you've tried it. Suspend your cynicism and just surrender to having some fun. Go on... you know you want to.