The down-low on Arabians?

Ok, so I was thinking of getting an Arabian in the future... but half the people I meet seem to think that they are neurotic, unpredictable crazy-beasts that have no use other than looks, and would never buy one, and the other half believe they are the epitome of true horsey-ness, perfect and above all other breeds, excelling in all things. I have only met a handful and ridden a paint/Arab cross, and they seemed just fine other than one that seemed pretty excitable. So what do you think of them in general and would you own one?