Mate, if you want one, have it. We all know we have "silly moments" but it dont matter how old you are, we still have them! As for the not respecting it..im guessing you will be like me, its my baby, i really wanted one, paid a lot of money for one, and spent the money tuning it, so i respect the car, and the driving conditions, after all, the last thing you want to do is wrap it after all the joy of getting one!!!
As for handling, i have KW
coilovers, neuspeed 28 - 25 ARB, mkiv upper strut brace, and a rear upper strut brace, with good rubber..i would challenge anyone with a front wheel drive car to have a go if they think there's is better!! On the track, its very good, and i have pushed it much harder than i would on the road, and it is very neutral, and catchable to have a play with, but it does not make you invincible!
Go for it chap, if you want one, buy it, and as i said, just respect your hard earned purchase!
Matt