I think it's ironic many players share that sentiment (to 'earn' the right to use it) because it's easier to play! Once you do decide to indulge yourself though, check out the blue sponge. It costs more but is said to feel harder but more powerful.I definitely admire your restraint. Heavens know I lack it.
H3N is definitely a special rubber. I've played with H3N (and the classic before that) on my forehand for as long as I can remember. People place a lot of emphasis on the great loops but amateurs can substitute other rubbers for looping. It's the short game that really sets the rubber apart in my book!
I do feel like it bottoms out a little which is strange to say for a Chinese rubber... I play it on a carbon blade too so sometimes I have to wonder if it's my technique...
One thing I've never been able to find a solid answer to is how much of an impact one degree of difference makes i.e. how much difference can there actually be between 38/39 or 39/40.