Woodies are definitly more intense than steelies, they actually provide force in 3 different directions, when steelies only have two. Woodies have airtime, lats, and positives, while steelies have only airtime and positives. X-Flight (just rode it today) is the only steelie that I know of that is actually as intense as a woodie, I also rode The Villain today and it was an awesome ride, had some good air, and wasn't painful like a lot of people say it is. The best part about it is the curving air hills which keep you on the side of your seat while having airtime at the same time [:D]
I vote for "The Raven" at Holiday World. It's not the tallest, not the fastest, and not the most impressive woodie out there... it is just simply the best. Also, I am a big fan of The Legend, Shivering Timbers, The Villain, and Millennium Force.
yay, finally someone at this site who likes awesome coasters. CCIs are amazing, I have only rode 2, but this summer I get to ride 5 [:D]
My favorite coaster would have to be The Villain, but I still do think Silver Comet is an awesome ride.