Sounds like a good thread to wax poetical.
I had a ZX9-R when I test rode the Fazer and it instantly won me over because it was near as dammit as fast, but much more comfortable. I bought it on the spot. However, like any in line 4, it takes a good while to bond, I think. At first, it's just appreciation of what it does, but over the months it works it's way into your soul. A big trip is usually what does it - mine was to the Alps and back. It was (and is) just brilliant at taking you a long way, allowing you to go nuts and full hooligan, then revert to being a big old softy you can ride like it was an automatic.
The other thing is, do some work on it. Fazer's are such a lovely bike to work on - nothing is particularly difficult compared to other bikes. That and a long distance trip are what bond me to my bikes.
I adore my Fazer. I've got a ZZR1400 as well, but as astounding as that bike is in so many ways, I just love climbing back on the Fazer. It just suits my every mood.
As for the clutch rattle when the in neutral - try a ZZR1400 - it's just the same but louder!