In fact you're pointing out one of the things I do not like with DSLR's when you say only a minimum amount of sharpening were required when scanning negatives.
I'm not an expert, but the sharpness that can be obtained with film is what I would call "natural sharpness". The moire-filter used in DSLR's softens the image deliberatly, and the natural sharpness that could have been there can never be restored digitally.
If anything new comes out of future DSLR's...I would opt to have a Optional or removable AA filter. Are you listening CANON ( highly doubt it)
I have had the Kodak dSrlC 14mp without a AA, and it is a good chunk sharper than my 1Ds I had used. The Kodak had other MAJOR issues with handling highlights and everything looking magenta, and so that was a short life for it, as soon after I got a Phase25 back. Have not looked back.
I did some tests awhile back that I had posted in LL somewhere. And it was the time I purchased the 5D mk2, so I don't remeber much after that, as my test for sharpness was overkill in the 35mm format for my needs. If I am looking for ult sharpness, and it is critical, I don't bother with 35. All my subjects in 35mm... the difference of AA or not, is pretty much a non issue...and the new ISO range is where 35 shines for me.
Now if a DSLR that was 22mpix or more had an optional AA...thats when MF would need to scramble a bit more...As my Kodak dslr (using either L glass or Leica) files had the same "feel" and 3D charactoristics of my Phase back. BUT I think pixel size comes into play as I know there are services that will remove the filter. Maybe I should do it the 5Dmk2?
Back to your OG Post...
I do think the overall process of exposing film has the chemical and direct transfer that I remember felt so good, to see the emultion come to life....even Polaroid tests where this way...and that fact that this was on a SURFACE I think is what made me appreciate it more. When most of the time our work is on a digital format, you only see it in print when you print, and the capture to final is kinda lost in the transition phase, and maybe that is whats lacking....just a thought.