Boone and Dent are still a part of Sox history.
I vividly remember the beatdown to the Bears (and given the fact that was the first run, you tend not to forget it). I remember '96, because you felt like that was a winnable first.
I will never say the 2007 finale was the worst or most painful loss. It was historic, and not all that enjoyable with the Spygate drone that got louder in the playoffs. The Pats had 3 titles under the belt at that time. It was a testament to the best team does not always win the title game.
To me, the worst losses are still the 2006 AFC Championship and 2010 Divisional Round loss to the Jets. Getting thumped by the Ravens in 2009 wasn't much fun either.
I get the whole "I want the perfect season" chatter, and people putting huge emphasis on an accomplishment that is skill and a bunch of luck would make that more disappointing. I want the Pats battling for titles, and know that means they cannot win it all. They win enough that 2007 does not now and did not then keep me up at night. Close game, and they lost. Bad matchup with a good front 4.