Any new software, despite how relate it is to something already known, will have a learning curve. It took me a bit to get over a lack of [osc~] but it doesn't take long to adapt. In fact, my guess is you're already an oscillator pro by the time you get this reply.
I still approach pd and Max as different tools used for different things. Another example is the lack of arrays in Max. I'll assume everything is achievable in Max through workarounds, but natively there's no tables/[tabwrite] abilities. This is actually the first thing I noticed.
When looking for pitch tracking information in pd I came across a Max/MSP external that looked perfect. I remember cursing the fact it wasn't available for pd, but now can't remember the name of it for the life of me. If i find again I'll let you know.