Being a Malaysian...I have to say that I do enjoy a good durian. Malaysian tend to - we sit around and have durian parties where we gorge ourselves silly on the "king of fruits". The best ones are the slightly bittersweet ones, like everything in life (and dark chocolate, mmm!!
). Texture is important too! I love the creamy, smooth kind. :D
Durian was an acquired taste for me, though...and it definitely does smell strong! Traditional means to get the smell off your fingers include washing with the seed (don't know if it works!). Chinese people have this thing with "heaty" and cooling foods, and to counter the heat of the durian, you're supposed to drink water out of the empty shell.
You could try durian cakes or durian ice cream, but it's not quite the same as cracking open a fresh fruit.
I believe everything is worth trying once, so go for it.