You really do have to get over that psychological block about managing files to enjoy using iPhoto and Aperture.

Personally, I don't mind it, because it's one less thing to think about. I would prefer to buy a bigger drive than to worry about the placement of my photo files beyond the iPhoto/Aperture library package.

On the other hand, I know people with that file management mentality that hate, hate, hate iPhoto and Aperture's way of doing things.