I am one person that never misses my 26er. Most of my issues on a 29er are just needing more practice. I personally think my 29er handles tight switchbacks great but my 26er was a completely different geometry so it was sluggish turning compared to my race geometry 29er. Some of my friends can go between 26 and 29 but DH and I both did not like that. In fact he was going to keep his 26er but he disliked the feel so much after riding it while his 29er was in the shop he sold it. He also felt his bike handling was not as good on the 26er as the 29er. I just find I can't switch between different bikes easily mountain biking so for me I know the 26er would collect dust. Of course I didn't have the option to keep mine, it was completely damaged in a car wreck.
Amanda
2011 Specialized Epic Comp 29er | Specialized Phenom | "Marie Laveau"
2007 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Road | Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow | "Miranda"
You don't have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great. -Lee J. Colan