Ya me too. There is just something very special about it, which the other majors can't quite match. The long drive up Magnolia lane, the green jacket, the butler's cabin, the drive of by Nicklaus, Player and most recently Elder. It all adds up to a very special tournament. I'm now so familiar with Augusta, I almost feel like I've played it!
It seems to have an appeal to avid golf fans, occasional golf fans and non golfers alike.
You're right about the lack of fans. November was very strange with none, at least this year there are some fans, but i think its only 1/4 of the usual crowd, so you don't get those massive birdie and eagle roars which arevso synonymous with the Masters at Augusta National.