Through my exposure to Epicurus indirectly through some experiences in monastic thought in my late-20s (Eastern Orthodox, not anymore but convertitis at the time) – and due to the fact that all monasteries started off as converted Epicurean communities… I agree with you as well.
Even at the time, it was the Epicurean aspects of monastic life that appealed to me, not so much the subject matter it was centered around.
Learning about Epicurus and the connection put everything into perspective for me… that is… after exposure to a little angry fatalistic Camus, which led me to Epicurus.
In retrospect, that is probably why I can never dismiss religion or philosophy outright; because I know via experience the benefits that are _possible_, under proper conditions, even thought I am agnostic now.