Acadia, 

Being a former illustrator who could never imagine using a computer to muscle in on my artwork I can offer you my findings of 25 years of using a tablet:

In 1983, it was a very strange disconnected feeling, as you described. Tablets and pens have gotten better over the years but it has never been the same experience of touching the surface directly with a pen/pencil. 

That said, Cintiq isn't going to bridge that gap either. Pagenartist and cobaltdream have points too.

Reaching up to paint on the Cintiq screen is going to kill your shoulder, and it won't take long.

I still use an Intuos 6x8 daily and it serves all my CG drawing needs without crippling me. 

If something really needed an old-school look there's no crime in getting out the traditional media and scanning it further down the line if needed.

If you get the Cintiq I hope you let us know how you like it/ or don't.