Why clawhammer banjo is so cool

A few things come to mind:

• It has the same vibrant, ringing, driving, rhythmic "optimistic" sound that Dixieland has. Even a bluesy song sounds "positive."
• It has a definable, recognizable style. You know what it is.
• The banjo, unlike the piano say, is portable.
• It's relatively easy to learn basic stuff, yet the instrument has far horizons and challenges.
• It's a great solo instrument. Can do it alone. But it's also a fine group instrument.
• Clawhammer is a neat name. It sounds cool to say, I play clawhammer.
• There are far, far fewer banjos at parties than guitars.
• All of the above.
• More.

I'm becoming a fanatic. Will I have time to write a clawhammer opera after the other musical projects?