I would love to go back to Brooklyn.  So many food options as well as some nice watering holes, as I recall.  Tarrytown would be a good option too.  Newark was just an all around, bomb, imho.

I don't know about others, but I find compassionate and caring people quite lovable.  I think that Grayson's Julia had a host of endearing qualities as the character developed.  Frankly, Barnabas needed to get away from his romantic, idealistic perceptions and begin to live in the real world where deeper, honest, emotional love lives.   
Just my POV mind you.   

As one who participated in the scene searches, I will attest that there were a great many wonderful scenes that were selected by the fans who flocked to JF's site.  (Lest anyone knowing my GH alliance, may it hereby be known that I was merely given scenes to locate in the episode guide so that numbers could be tallied more readily.) The number was vast, believe me.  However, the tally was made on which scenes received THE MOST votes.  Democratic huh?  

Here is the breakout: 1)Julia confronts Barnabas with the knowledge of what he is. 2)1995 Never without you with Barnabas and Julia. 3)Barnabas and Willie and Willie's push to get Barnabas to acknowledge his caring for Julia. 4) Barnabas relates the story of Josette's death to Victoria and Carolyn. 5) Barnabas and David's initial meeting at the Old House. 6) Barnabas and Angelique and the initial curse visitation. 7) Barnabas and Burke and the bar scene where their situation is compared to a duel. 8)Barnabas seeks a truce with Julia after the 1795 flashback for fear that she will see him destroyed. 9) Barnabas,Trask and Angelique in 1840 and the death scene and Trask stabbing scene. 10) Barnabas and Trask reenact "The Cask of Amontillado."

Now, the top winner had 14 votes.  The second I believe was 12.  This should highlight just how many scenes out of the submissions received only one or two votes.  So, there were three Grayson Hall scenes, two Lara Parker, two Lacy, and one each of Karlan,George,Molke,Barrett, and Henesy.

I also have to interject that the tallies and results were held by John's webmaster, Mark Lawrence, who has no knowledge of anyone's personal preferences or allegiances.

As for Grayson's Legion of fans, I will echo Julia99.  We were a tame lot.  The response at every festival is much the same when Grayson is mentioned.  The outpouring of affection is gratifying as is the applause for Louis Edmonds, Joan Bennett, Thayer David, and Humbert Allen Astredo.

Jonathan has updated his website and has his new FridEvil DVD for sale there.  There's also a nice preview clip to view along with several pictures from the Fest.
Dawn

Just read through everyone's thoughts here and I'll add my observations.  As a loyal GH fan, JF's comments were not unexpected and not unflattering.  Yes, Grayson was a bit much and over the top.  Not news.  But the manner in which he said such was not derrogatory.  He included himself in that obrservation as well and made due note of the nature of the soaps.  He respected her and complimented her in the very scene he had just shown with himself, Grayson, and Thayer. 

As for JF, he was well yesterday when I spoke to him before leaving the Fest.  He was not injured in the fall as he kept telling us.  As he stated, "I just let it happen."  Smart move.  He was well attended to for those who wondered.  And yes, he was flying back solo today.  Direct flight.  First class.  Driver waiting to take him home. 

I will add a couple of personal notes here.  It was nice to meet those of you who stopped by the Frid table and introduced yourselves. 

It was great to visit again, Midnite.  I'm glad we had time to spend together this year.  I'm especially glad that you got to speak with Laura.  Old times.   

Gothick, the responses in the great hall to GH were as resounding as ever.  You would be proud since it wasn't just the JList making theselves known.   

Dawn

B: Julia, why do you want to check my heart?
J: Look Mister.  You're two hundred years old and if we're finally going to do this and do it right, I want to make sure YOU can keep up...uh, your heart can keep up.

B: Blue candles, blue sheets...argh! 

E: Barnabas hasn't come to yet from that sedative.  Here are the keys to the handcuffs.  He's all yours.
J: Liz, thank you.  Now, be sure to lock the door on your way out.