I certainly agree Andy, and even find that it's a bonus having a sprightly riding bike unloaded, cuz it's fun, and then when you put panniers or whatever else on it, the steering slows down but is still nicer to avoid potholes or whatever--ie still fun.
This is why I love my 26" Troll, kinda a mountainbikey designed bike, but with various bars, tires, it's a competent tourer that still retains fun steering characteristics with various loads on it.
cheers