I prefer Lakatos' account of Newton's discoveries, what he called the heuristics of scientific investigation. My comment may not have conveyed the field of my argument which refers only to your comment:

Which recalls Helen:

I'm not discussing the backbiting and low blows that characterize all human activity, not just the sciences. Therefore I see no reason to single out this behaviour as pertinent to scientific endeavour.

So, to be more precise: Rationality and all that derives is far more inspiring. Rationality sets the necessary constraints to creativity. As for the day to day practice of science, the heuristics necessary to confront theory with facts, it's hard work, frustrating and exalting, but not boring.