I may wrong, but I suspect that honoring St. Patrick originated as anything but the whimsical celebration that it ended up being today. He wasn't a gregarious little fellow in green searching for the pot o' gold ~ he brought Catholicism to Ireland. But the Irish love a reason to celebrate, so in time it became an occasional to drink together and have a jolly ol' time.
So I'd say that I like it. I display my St. Patrick stuff and wear green, sometimes even go watch the parade through my town (did not do it this year). Portland has a big 3-day festival downtown, and I would love to go there and watch the entertainment. But it's very crowded and my husband has no interest. Portland is also home of the microbrews, but I don't drink much beer anymore.