This is eerily timed for me, as I ordered my Vita and copy of Golden a few days ago and it should be arriving on monday (so excited). Since I haven't played it yet I can't comment on anything specific to Golden. But having played the original PS2 version I agree with you OP, it truly is a spectacular game. It has been one of my all time favorite games since it came out. I went so far as importing the Japanese version so I could play it all with original voice acting. Not that I had a problem with the localisation, but my preference is for the original. Anyway, I'm a bit overly enthusiastic when it comes to P4.
Also recently bought FFIX from the PSN and plan to play that on my Vita as well. So again, weird timing.
As for my favourite things about it
Favourite Character: I really love all of them but if I had to narrow it down it would be Naoto, followed extremely closely by Chie and then probably Kanji. My favourite character to date though is probably Chie, though that may change after meeting Marie.
Favourite Social Link: I would say Ryotaro was probably the best for me, though Rise and Kanji had very interesting ones as well.
Favourite Arcana: This is kinda tough, it's a split between Tower and Devil because they have some of my favourite personas in it.
Favourite Personas: Lilith and Yoshitsune are my tops without a doubt. Lilith I just love the design of, she really keeps to the art style from things like Nocturne and Digital Devil Saga, I really like that style. And Yoshitsune is just walking death. Hassou Tobi is incredible.
All in all, I agree with the enthusiasm. It's my favourite JRPG of all time, though that doesn't mean I say it's the best i've played, I just really love the characters, the setting, and watching their stories unfold. OP if you haven't played Persona 3 Portable I really would recommend that as well. I don't like it as much as P4 but it's still very good, and the female protag has far more interesting social links imo (plus you don't have to date all the girls to max out their social links, which always felt weird).
