I dont' think that the actual Rally is any less exciting, I think it's a factor of living in nascar-loving north america that makes it tougher to follow mainstream.
When you watch WRC and see all the hillsides covered with fans and flags and hundreds of people out watching the race. In NA you get the die hards and the volunteers.. oh and the 13yo Kenblock groupies..:biggrin:
also due to north americas please sign this waiver to release us from any papercut risks while signing the 100 page waiver that we need so that you won't sue the pants off the organizer, sanctioning groups, volunteers, drivers, co-drivers, and their families mentality..
the 5 min 'news' coverage at the end of the nightly news (if your are extremely lucky and catch it) doesn't help either..
if you want to become a rally fanatic, just find your local group and volunteer/enter an event. It takes work and time but it is sooo fun!