Thanks for the sympathy. At least I had a good long "honeymoon phase" with regards to Tokyo and milked it for all it was worth.
The looming spectre of August visits is already shading out plans to revisit places for which I have fond memories. Which brings me to...

My nomination for a place within jib san's parameters that is not undifferentiated crud is Jūjō. Had great misgivings when I was advised to go there for a haircut due to its proximity to Ickybukuro but was completely charmed by it. Given the opportunity, and given my own priorities and peculiarities, I'd come and live here in a heartbeat.