Yes Carn Mor Dearg / arette is a classic way up Ben Nevis, I've only done it once but was very lucky with the weather - we actually climbed through a thin layer of cloud to the top of Carn Mor Dearg (Which was just above the cloud base) to see the top of Ben Nevis poking through, the cloud then quickly lifted. We descended the tourist path, which, as you said is a real grind, passing girls in sandals with no extra gear / water etc.
Ben Lomond is worth a look if you don't want to travel too far, also maybe The Cobbler.
I'd love to get up there more, but with the arrival of a baby am a bit pushed for free time. I'd really love to go back to Skye and do the South end of the Cuillin ridge, Blaven and re-try Am Basteir (We chickened out at the Bad Step last time). If you can get up there, it'll be really worth it (If you're lucky with the weather), even if you don't have a head for heights there are plenty of less exposed walks / scrambles; Bruach na Frithe, Sgurr na Banachdich, Sgurr Dearg, South end of the ridge, Blaven....... There are more easy ones than some of the guide books suggest, even Sgurr nan Gillean isn't that bad - just a bit exposed near the very top.
I have to admit to being terrified doing Sgurr nah-Uamha though - a killer Corbett!! Or is it a Graham?