I know that org-mode is often cited as a reason to use Emacs, but I have to admit that despite being a daily Emacs user of almost 25 years, I hardly ever need it. When I do use it, I'm very happy with it but then again, I use but the most basic functionality (bulleted lists with foldable headlines and sane paragraph filling).
Nevertheless, it's great to see an open-source project strive, especially one that is so versatile and appreciated by many.
Same here, I have tried it time to time and while I like it, I (this is probably heresy, I realize) prefer having a separate application for notes.
What I've been thinking of is running two Emacs instances, one of which is initialized just with Org mode and the other as my text editor/IDE. Haven't quite dove off that cliff yet, though.
Been using it for years and years, and I started same as you, with some basic outlining. Now it's my primary work organizer/brainstorming/documenting tool (I generate html from it for other folks to read, although I'll occasionally drop plain text somewhere).
Nevertheless, it's great to see an open-source project strive, especially one that is so versatile and appreciated by many.