my question is this: do you agree with this sentiment, and do you view the 'laugh' emoticon in the same way?

Agree. Does seem like very poor form to 'announce' that you are laughing, and what's worse, that you are doing so loud! Sounds extremely belaboured and strenuous. I like Smiley. He looks genial and friendly and puts a face to the words as it were. Smiley indicates that I want you to laugh and that whatever is being said, has no ulterior or hurtful motive. Whereas, LOL seems like an order to laugh.
[Luddite alert!] As for the rest of the acronyms, I confess to knowing almost none of them, except for YCLIU. Much rather prefer, Old Ms. Ponderous, You Could Look It Up. If one must be rapped, lets do it the good old way!

On the subject of emoticons, I sometimes see a small slash of red in Smiley's mouth (Smiley, not Laughey) and sometimes, I see only black. Is it just me, or is this happening to all of you?