I have to agree with the OP. I've been using LR forever and finally grew frustrated with the terrible rendering of RAF files. I was delighted when Iridient X Transformer came out and I can see a definite improvement.
It wasn't until I decided to try a demo of C1 and On1 that I discovered what I was missing out on. I've only edited a half dozen images ranging from low to high ISO and most with detailed elements like foliage. C1 was night and day better, no question about it. The interface is a little intimidating, but I found myself flying through it making adjustments in quick order. On1 took a little more work, but was also notably better than LR.
I really want LR to work, because it's what I'm familiar with and I don't want to pay for another software (or ditch LR/PS altogether). At the end of the day though, I need and want sharp images, not a mushy mess.