We have a few in the front and backyards. They grow very easily here without much at all in the way of attention. I think the lack of moisture eliminates a lot of the diseases they can be subject to. Still, a few for cut flowers seem obligatory. ...and, really, very nice.
I'm totally with you on the aversion to thorns, flower bug. A cane can be in the compost pile for ages so that you can't even see it anymore but still end up with a thorn sticking out of your finger. HATE that! Hate bougainvillea for the same reason but at least roses have much prettier colors to select from than the gaudy bougainvilleas.