I'm no expert photographer, but I have a few friends who are.

It seems to me that you just got the wrong tool for your requirements and are now blaming the Nikon. I mean, if all you're doing is taking photos that don't require manual setup and timing etc etc why did you get rid of your S3?

Each one of your complaints is actually the reason why serious photographers buy their SLRs. They want to be able to do super macros, or fish eye or superzoom shots without being limited by their default equipment.

Seems to me you should just get rid of the nikon and get one of those prosumer point and shoots.