Wouldn't it be funny, if it turned out that Intel secretly owned AMD..........
I personally think both platforms have their merits and their detractors. I really don't even see why the more intelligent people on the net even bother to debate this subject. In all honesty, AMD does have several downsides for your average computer user. Heat (which is probably why it is constantly being blamed as being unstable) is a major problem with AMD and has been since the K6's. Improper cooling is always going to lead to unstable systems, be they AMD or Intel. Please don't get me wrong, I run an AMD rig and am very happy with it. But as a builder (small-time), I have a real hard time recommending an AMD to someone who doesn't use AC in the summer or is going to shove their computer in a the space provided in computer desks (especially ones with doors on them). They are going to have problems, not ones based on their design, but ones based on a side effect of running warm and heat buildup (lack of ventilation). Home DVD players, digital cable boxes and many other modern devices suffer from high failure rate from improper ventilation so I don't think of the extra heat as a reason for not purchasing AMD, just something that needs planned for if you do decide to go that way.
My biggest gripe with Intel is cost. This has nothing to do with function though, just a moral issue for me. The only hardware issue that really bothered me was the Pentium 4 (also the unstable Pentium III 1.13's that they put out kinda looked a little desperate at the time). They put out a processor that had been castrated simply to run at higher clock speeds in order to cut the loss of market share. I guess this was a wise decision, since it worked. I just personally think that for that time really affected whether I would buy Intel. With the really high speeds (and potential for much more) of the Northwood core, I am seeing the fruition of their plan finally so it no longer bothers me quite so bad.
In conclusion, I think that holding on to a product as if it was your family and needed protected is just not too bright. I say do the research, make an informed decision and then be happy with it. If someone else doesn't choose your way, then they are not evil or stupid and don't need to be castigated like this is a schoolyard and your ready to pick a fight because someone looked at you funny. You know one thing that has always bothered me, was when I would read a review of something I just bought and found out the review was calling it crap. Really made me feel bad about what I had (the product usually ends up running just fine for me).
Anyway, thats just my opinion. Take or leave it.