Just chatting to a neighbour who has a 3 year-old black show-type cocker and is pregnant with her second child. She said "Monty will always be my number one" (she got the dog before her first child) - so if she puts her cocker before her baby in terms of love I think you can safely say cockers are wonderful!!
We've had three show-type blue roans in the family before and I've just got my first - I wouldn't even consider another dog. They are the most adorable, affectionate, beautiful little creatures - a perfect size for everything, pretty bright, and just lovely. The coats need some work, and they can be manic as puppies, but I think all puppies are. Mine's not that manic, and is settling down even at 4.5 months.
These people that say cockers are mad must have heard of some with a bad experience (which you can get with any breed), but I'm sure all of our testimonies of their loveliness should be proof to the contrary!! Go for it!