I have built a fairly large project in WebObjects, and I agree with "The Wolf": It's the best web app server around, hands down. The only major problems stem from relative lack of use in the industry. I don't want to try to summarize why fell in I love with it, but I can say why I think it's not used: Apple acts like it's some kind of closely guarded secret rather than a product to be advertised. Also, as you quoted, some people consider it 'the dreaded "A" word'..
Plenty of great technologies die out from non-use when no one knows they're there.