I always think I started with Troughton, but that was before I was born, and I rememeber Pertwee clearly, and I was only 3, when he left, repeats I guess.
I don't consider myself a Whovian, it's just a TV show I like, and I've been watching since childhood.
I echo many of your thoughts on Season 8 Dana, I think my hopes were up for a return to a more detached arrogant Doctor like Pertwee or Tom Baker, but got more mush instead
Some hope for season 9 anyway.
(9, 34 whatever, I like to seperate, nu who from old as it's hardly the same show)
Also, I get increasingly annoyed about the Sonic Screwdriver being a magic multitool that can fix almost anything, very weak writing IMHO.