Most of the major complaints with Oracle are gone now with 10g - horrible installer, poor management utilities, bloated client install, etc.  There are still some minor grievances / quirks like the row number thing - but what software doesn't have quirks. 

The problem with Oracle is that it is meant for very complex deployments - people use it in smaller solutions because they want the Oracle name associated with their product.  Is that Oracle's fault?  Not entirely, but they should offer a less feature rich product that isn't so complex for those who want to start simple and grow into the complexities.  I heard Oracle is offering a lite version like MS/IBM, but I haven't worked with it.

Oracle is a very good product, but like any other solution it isn't right for everything/everyone.  The sooner people realize that, the better.

Like db2, I'm not an Oracle fanboy.  I primarily develop against MsSql Server, but I do support various Oracle base solutions.  Oracle isn't hard if you have desire to read docs / search the internet.