Here are some images from a model and design I did this weekend that made me realize it was all worth it.
There is some serious exaggeration on the renderings to show off the grade differences.
The guys here at Civil3D.com are probably sick of seeing these images, but I am just amazed that I was able to do this in the course of just normal every day design.
No harder or easier than the old way- but you can really see your design!
Here is the corridor that made the Cul De Sac above.