I agree with VC.
I used to be a staunch Pro-Boeing/Anti-Airbus guy, but late last year I started a job that had me having to learn the A330.
And I'm happy to say that now I know the real story (much bulldust out there) I reckon they're a pretty good thing. Very clever in the way they work but as has been said you have to lose the Boeing philosophy of doing things. And yes, they really can be flown just like any other aeroplane - albeit with the inherent normal law protections, and those are there for very good reasons.
The only thing I still do not like is the seperate joysticks. I still firmly believe that they should be mechanically connected.
(Hey, I got used to the non-moving throttles!)
My point is that the Boeing guys have often been fed a lot of mis-information about how the Airbus works. It's really worth the effort to find out how they tick, they're quite friendly once you get used to them.