As a recent implantee, I thought this is a GREAT post! I also had realistic expectations which I believe helped formed my response to my CI. It does sound like "Well, the CI must not be "all that" if you had to have low expectations in order to appreciate it." It is pretty awesome, but I think people just don't comprehend how complex hearing is.
Regarding to what Ron said about "air coming into the room.", it reminded me of what happened yesterday. I bought some weather stripping for the bottom of my front door. As I kneeled down to the bottom of the door, I realized that I can hear the air coming through gap. After I installed the weather strip, I knew it worked because I couldn't hear the air coming in anymore. So COOL.
(Of course, it isn't that useful since you can always put your hand out to feel for any drafts.. 
)
