I'm with you. I'm a huge proponent of e-bikes - I've seen first-hand how it has allowed my dad, who has a ton of health problems, to keep riding. My last trip over there (Netherlands), we both rented e-bikes for a week-long bike trip in Germany (he didn't want to haul his own e-bike to the start). It was the first time I'd ridden one, and it was really nice! The one I rode had 3 levels of assist, and I only used the lowest for most of our rides. It was a nice equalizer, because he could kick in a higher assist level and could comfortably ride at the same pace. We had a couple of sections that were steep and with horrible cobblestones, and it sure was nice to have some extra assist there, because all my attention went to trying to keep my balance on those dratted things and I didn't have to worry about at the same time having to push super hard to keep my speed.
If I had a hilly or longer commute to work, I would definitely consider buying an e-bike so I wouldn't arrive all sweaty (we had such a hot summer here in Utah). And also if I at some point develop physical limitations.
I think the resistance to e-bikes in the US is in part because here many folks still consider cycling purely an athletic activity (and feel the electric assist is "cheating"). In Europe, cycling is considered by most a mode of transportation and travel, or a way to enjoy nature and go sightseeing, and not primarily an athletic endeavor. The e-bikes are one way to make it more convenient/enjoyable.