J.B.
I think a lot of moms wonder the same thing. I know that I did! I took the same approach you did and asked every mom I knew what their experiences were. I got lots of different opinions on what they liked about the age differences and what they might have done differently.
Ultimately, my husband and I decided to have baby #2 sooner than later because we'd like them to go through similar stages of life together. Plus, I'm over 30 and can't see myself having the energy to keep up with a toddler in another five years! This hasn't been the ideal year for me to be pregnant (lots of travel and career stuff going on) but I couldn't be happier that I'm about to have another baby this October. My daughter is 25 months now. Everybody says having them this close is tough the first year, but pays off after awhile because they really do take care of each other. Good luck!