On the other hand. We have always had coins up to £1 (notes from £5 and above) and just dealt with it. I guess it is just a case of you get used to what you are raised with.
Thinking about the $2 bill stories reminded me of what happened when they introduced the £2 coin here a few years ago. People complained, swore they would never use them and even went to the point of refusing to take them as change. But things calmed down and they are actually used quite a bit now.