My sense of taste has diminished (a couple of years ago), I think because I had a needle full of anesthetic jabbed into my gumline a few too many times and they hit my nerve once.

I no longer really taste much of anything in the front half of my tongue. Still can in the back half, though. I've gotten used to it, although it annoys me when I think about it. I'm lucky I haven't lost it completely, that would be a sad day.

I think you're right, in that as long as I can feel the food, I could eat alright. Probably would eat a bit healthier, though.